First Poem

Happy New Year Greetings!
Being invited to return to Swift for my 6th year brings me feelings of joy and humility. This year I have the pleasure of joining Ms. Pendola’s and Ms. Brist’s 2nd grade classrooms for a 10 week poetry residency.

For our first session, students expressed curiosity about poetry and I said that we would spend the next weeks together exploring different kinds of poetry; what it does, what it holds, how it sounds, and how they can write their own poems. We read and discussed my poem, “You Can call me Friend;” identified LINES, and talked about brainstorming before students wrote their own introductory first poems.

Ms. Pendola
2nd Grade

Get to Know About Me
by Melita

I am kind, honest, and smart
I love to study alone for hours
I love to read the Harry Potter books

I feel tired and a little active
I need good grades
I give help to people who need help
I am afraid of snakes and loud noises

I would like to see the Harry Potter cast
I live in Hollywood near downtown
Just call me Luna.

My Story
by Aliya

My name is Aliya
I am 7
I love my two brothers
I love my friends

I feel happy
I need to learn about how to read
I give bracelets to my friends
I am afraid of “The Man Outside The Windows” story

I would like to see a panda
I live in Chicago
Just call me Aliya

Know About Me
by Abhay S.

My name is Abhay
I am a Gamer
I love Roblox
I love soccer

I feel happy
I need a VR head set
I give friendship
I am afraid of spiders

I would like to see nepal
I live in Chicago
Just call me Abhay

All You Need to Know About Me
by Xena

My name is Xena
I am 8 years old
My Mom and Dad
I love Roblox, drawing and Sprunk

I feel sad when I have to go to school
because I don’t get to see my Mom.
I need my Mom
I give kindness to my best friends Alia and Nawal
I am afraid of clowns, spiders, and shots.

I would like to see Sprunk IRL
I live in Chicago in an apartment
Just call my Z-Z.

Get To Know About Me
by Shreya C.

My name is Shreya
I am 7.5
I love playing with my friends
I love to play Roblox with Xena

I feel great and happy
I need kind friends
I give high fives to people
I am afraid of brutal hurts

I would like to see a sunset
I live in Chicago
Just call me Shreya.

Tajikistan
by Farista

My name is Farista
I am 8 years old
I love mom and Dad and sister
I love playing with my friends

I feel excited
I need to learn English
I give hugs to people I love
I am afraid of spiders and bees

I would like to see monkeys and fish in the park
I live in Chicago
Just call me Farista.

Ms. Brist
2nd Grade

My neighborhood life
by Aura O.

My name is Aura O
I am 7 years old, creative, good at singing and drawing
I love sleeping and my family
I love chicken and the winter

I feel tired every morning
I need dolls and books
I give happiness and hugs
I am afraid of spiders and bad guys

I would like to see God and a dog
I live in the neighborhood
Just call me Aura-Maura.

Kenedy

Mi nombre es un nino
Me encanta ser un hermano
Me encanta nadar en el agua

Me siento felis
Necesito amor
Doy felicidad
Tengo miedo de la oscuridad

Me gustaría ver el mar
Vivo con mi familia
Solo llámame Alexis

All About Me
by Gaby

My name is Gaby
I am happy
I love myself
I love making things for my mom

I feel good
I need nothing
I give happiness
I am afraid of spiders

I would like to see a star
I live with my mom and sis and bro
Just call me Gaby.

Camila O.

My name is Camila
I am 7
I love to draw
I love cats

I feel happy
I need water
I give my toys
I am afraid of tornados

I would like to see cute bunnies
I live in my jouse
Just call me Camila.




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TESTIMONIALS

“Writing poetry makes me feel like I can see myself, like I can see my reflection, but not in a mirror, in the world. I write and I know I can be reflected.”
-Oscar S.

“Writing poetry makes me feel free.”
-Buenda D.

“Writing poetry is like your best friend.”
-Jessica M.