What is in my Name - The Chicago Poetry Center

What is in my Name

For week one with Dever Elementary’s 7th graders, we took on learning about one another’s names through poetry. We talked about what we would be doing together during poetry time, what poetry is and we read a peer poem called “Alejandro” in which a the poet shows readers about how their name has impacted them. The students featured below did their own versions of the piece with their own names and experiences.

Attached are pieces from a handful of Dever’s brilliant 7th graders. Ms. Carteno and Ms. Sherfinski’s groups each had unique personalities, names, and stories behind them.

Carteno's Class

Amelia Amelia T.

My name is “Amelia”
It means to work
but when I work too hard
My hand starts to hurt
I work for my family
I work for my friends
I work for anyone I love
Especially my dog
I work for my education.
I work for learning.

Marley Marley T.

“Marley” thats my name
“Pleasant wood”
That means meadow water
My name originates from Greece
My name was a mix of my grandmas given by my dad
Who was thoughtful
I will be pleasant wood
I will be medow water Marley

Szymon Szymon D.

Szymon, Yes, that’s my name in hebrew.
It means descendant from Simon.
Originates from Poland
And my name which was given to me for a reason
Which was given to me by my parents who saw amazement in me and in my life.

Sherfinski's Class

My Name Trudy B.

Gertrude that is my name my parents gave me
Gertrude means strong and protector
This is part of me because i protect the people i love, and will be strong when they need me to be
My name originates from Ireland. When people hear my name they say it’s old fashioned and from a time of no internet and quiet.
I like my name, it was my grandmas name who died before I was able to meet her.
I feel like it gave me a part of her within me.

Poem about myself Mikolaj S.

Hi my name is Mikolaj
My name is after santa in Poland
And my dad named me.
My name is different than my personality because i do not give away
presents.