If They Were in Charge of the World

When I first created the “My World” poetry lesson, I used Gwendolyn Brooks’s “A Little Girl’s Poem,” – which I really love. This year I decided to use a different example poem. So, during our 9th sessions together, Swift 2nd graders read and discussed Judith Viorst’s “If I Were in Charge of the World.” Students particularly liked the stanza that reads: “If I were in charge of the world/ You wouldn’t have lonely./ You wouldn’t have clean./ You wouldn’t have bedtimes./ Or “Don’t punch your sister.”/ You wouldn’t even have sisters.” This week students wrote poems about being in charge of the world.

Ms. Amato 2nd Grade

Pretty World Alvina C.

In my pretty world I would
clean the earth and help people.

In my pretty world I will
grow plants and care for animals.

In my pretty world I will
help sick people and clean the water.

The Best Universe Shreyash C.

People would stop breaking laws.
Cristiano Ronaldo would be my friend.
Lionel Messi would be my coach.
No one would be broke.
No more bedtime.

Best World in History and the Future Evlin A.

In my world vegetables
would taste like candy
and candy would taste like
vegetables.
Girls would rule!
January 11th will
be a national holiday.
Everyone whose name starts
with an E would get A’s on
every school subject.

Caleb's Super World Caleb D.

To stop people touching my head
To stop people throwing trash on the beach
To stop gorilla tag hackers
To stop a dog from pooping in my house

Marcus S.

In my world I could talk to animals
and I would stop Russia from fighting Ukraine.
I would stop the coldness and it would be hot
and beautiful
I would stop people from being mad
And I would cancel parking tickets

Ms. Urquiza 2nd Grade

New Earth Samuel M.

I will stop global warming
and make poor people rich
I will remove all taxes
and make Nepal rich
and make people happy.

World Abdul A.

My world has a strong earth.
In Turkey and Syria
the floor is not broken.
I am going to be king of the world.
There will be no hard times.
I am going to make my family rich.

The Fun World Ayza U.

If I were in charge of the world
every day you would have a birthday
and we would have 1 million toys
If I were in charge of the world
we will only do fun things
like trampolines and candies
if I am in charge of the world.

Real good changes Samip N.

If I was in charge of the world
I would say no video games or junk food
I would make every 8 year old boy work out
until he is 80

I would cancel youtube and facebook in phones
I would tell teachers to teach better
I would say no killers.