“I Am” poetry is a way for students to introduce themselves, explore poetry writing, and reflect on their units and experiences. Use this printable “I Am” poetry template bundle in your homeroom, in your English arts class, or where you want your students to engage in reflection. Download the worksheets you have at hand and take inspiration from ideas for using them in your classroom.
How to use “I” poetry templates in the classroom
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Sensory poem
Take students outside, on a field trip, or to the corner of the playground and let them record what they feel, see, hear, and smell in the moment. Use this “I” poem template to capture students’ immediate sensory experiences. They can then think about how their sensory experiences are translated into their thoughts, wonders, and dreams.
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Before and after
Use this poem template to attract students to reflect what they have learned. Students complete the poem by thinking about what they know about the topic before and after the unit. They can then compare the poems, discuss what they have learned, and take them from the unit.
Image: Poetry Template 1
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Capture a moment
This “I Am” poem is perfect for students to use to reflect at the start and end of the school year. Save your students’ first year poems and compare them alongside the end of the year poems to see how much they have changed.
Image: Poetry Template 2
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Portrait poem
This “I Am” poem takes another form for students to express what is important to them at this point. Use this template as an assignment or as a quick check-in to explain how students are doing now.
Image: Poetry Template 3
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List Poem
This “I Am” poem uses a list format. It’s a great way to help students defeat their ideas and communicate the most important words. Use this to start writing poems so that students can see the similarities and differences between them and their classmates.
Image: Poetry Template 4
