Ugh, can you hear it now? You mention the word “poetry” to upper elementary students, and the reaction is an immediate groan. No teacher wants to hear students groan at the thought of writing poetry. Teachers know that poetry can actually be a blast! However, it does take some creativity and the right resources. Thankfully, there is a fun and FREE writing activity known as “I Am” Poems that will transform their perspective on writing.
What are “I Am” Poems?
An “I Am” poem is a creative writing activity where students express their thoughts and feelings through a structured poem. It follows a simple format, allowing students to explore their identities and share personal insights. The poem begins with the phrase “I am,” followed by descriptive lines that capture their characteristics, interests, dreams, and experiences.
For example, a student might write:
I am brave and curious,
I wonder about the stars,
I hear the laughter of my friends,
I see adventures waiting for me,
I want to explore the world,
I am a storyteller at heart.
The free “I Am” poems writing activity encourages self-reflection, creativity, and emotional expression. Honestly, it is a great way to make writing poetry fun and meaningful. Additionally, students will get to learn more about themselves and their classmates. Honestly, this is a fantastic getting to know you activity for anytime of the year!
Getting Started With “I Am” Poems
Truly, students can feel inspired when they dive into writing poetry. Often, all they need are activities that connect to their interests. Luckily, this is exactly why the “I Am” poems are the perfect writing activity! It offers upper elementary students a structured way of writing about themselves!
The first page of the “I Am” poems writing activity describes what “I Am” poems are and the purpose for writing them. Additionally, it includes two examples of what portions of their poem may look like. The examples help spark student creativity and get their brain churning on what they may write.
Poetry can be tough to jump right into, even for upper elementary students. However, the second page of this writing resource provides a graphic organizer with a five-step breakdown of how to write an “I Am” poem. Teachers can easily print the graphic organizer for each student or simply display the organizer at the front of the room. Students can use the graphic organizer as a guide as they write.
Since understanding the structure of poetry is an essential skill, this writing resource also includes a printable for understanding “I Am” poems. Students will be able to study the basic model of an “I Am” poem broken down into three stanzas. Additionally, there are examples of each stanza. Seeing the model and examples side by side help solidify student understanding of the writing process.
Writing “I Am” Poems in Upper Elementary
Once students have a good grasp of the expectations of an “I Am” poem, it’s time to get their creative juices flowing! This is the perfect opportunity to hold a fun brainstorming session. For example, teachers can provide an element of the “I Am” poem and students can call out or write down things that come to mind.
The FREE “I Am” Poems Writing Activity has two printable pages for writing. Students will begin by using the guided writing page. This includes a space for students to write each stanza, with a model included.
As students work, encourage students to give themselves time to think of an answer that truly reflects their personality and character. A printable for the final version of the “I Am” poem is also included. Students can use this page to finalize their “I Am” Poem, make any corrections or adjustments, and practice their best handwriting.
Since creative juices will already be flowing, encourage students to illustrate their poems afterward. The final version printable has a dedicated space where students can draw an illustration of themselves or something that connects to the words in their poem.
Also, don’t forget to share and celebrate student efforts when finished! These make the perfect bulletin board display or open house gallery. Truly, students will be so proud of their hard work and creativity. Best of all, this Free “I Am” Poems Writing Activity will showcase each student’s personality!
Additional Writing Activities
“I Am” Poems is such a fun writing activity. Because of this, it is easy to transition into other styles of writing afterward.
For example, these Writing Prompts with Pictures are the perfect tool to begin teaching narrative, opinion, and informative writing. Students simply use a variety of picture writing prompts to begin their writing.
As students writing skills begin to strengthen, the Writing Prompts with Rubrics resource is a great step forward. Since narrative, opinion, and informative writing is an essential skill, each of the prompts included will help students practice this skill.
Best of all, these amazing writing activities for upper elementary are included in a Writing Prompts Bundle! Every writing prompt is high-interest for 3rd-5th graders and no prep for the teacher. It’s a win-win! Plus, students will love having a teacher that cares about their interests and makes writing fun.