“Where I’m From” ~ Personal Story Poems @ Avondale Logandale

Last week, we read “Where I’m From,” a personal story poem adapted from a longer poem by George Ella Lyon. We had fun discussing the poems and the use of imagery that stood out in each line of the poem before brainstorming ideas for our own poems. I asked the students to write reflective poems, about themselves, and where they’re from. I wanted students to write autobiographically and continue playing around with metaphor and imagery to paint us a picture of where they are from in their own poems, just like George Ella Lyon does in her poem “Where I’m From.”

Scroll down to enjoy this week’s published “Where I’m From” poems!

 

Ms. Lozada
4th Grade

 

The Move
Dylan V.

I’m from Isela and Miguel.
From the smell of tacos and tamales.
From chicken and soup cake.
From Marmora Street.

From “Do good at school. I love you.”
From playing Fortnite.
From “leave me alone” when I’m sad.

 

 

Taco Land
Haley G.

I’m from Mom and Dad.
I’m from tacos de carne asada.
From agua calientes and Mexico.
From “Hija, ve hacer tu tarea.”

I’m from Taco Land.
I’m from Mom and Dad.
I’m from puppies.

 

 

Where I’m From
Salvador A.

I’m from Mexico and Chicago.
From Logan Square neighborhood.
From Mom and Dad.
From Sixto Jesus Luis’ dogs.

I’m from a pizza place.
I’m from the sky of the sun.
I’m from a school where we have the best teachers.
I’m from everywhere!

 

Ms. Miller
3rd Grade

 

Where I’m From
Annalis N.

I’m from Stanley and Jaxen.
From all the food and candles.
From taco salad and macaroni and cheese.
From tall trees and lots of dogs.

From Chicago.
From “Did you do your homework?”

 

 

I Am Happy
Nialaney G.

I’m from Mom, Dad, God, and Jesus.
From rice, candy, and ice cream.
From pasteles and arroz con dulces.
From pollo and arroz con salchichas.
From pasta, grapes, and steak.

From Armitage.
From “Be quiet. Go to sleep now.”

 

 

I’m From Me
Jocyana C.

I’m from the home of friends.
From the smell of cupcakes.
From Puerto Ricans and food.
From New York.

I am from the bow.
I am from the sea.
I am from the mystical mermaid.
I am from the galaxy.

I am from the people that call me Fu-Fu.
I am from the stars.
I am from the butterflies.
I am from me.

 

 

Where I’m From
Alexander R.

I’m from my parents and God.
From the smell of chicken.
From the taste rice and tacos.
From North Karlov.

I am from Puerto Rico and Chicago
And, they always say I love you.

 

 

Ms. Afzal
3rd Grade

I’m From Where..
Megan T.

I’m from Elena and Jorge.
From cookies and vanilla ice cream.
From mole and tamales.
From Logan Theater.

I’m from the Arctic and Antarctica.
From coconut and cream.
From lollipops and vanilla cream.
From white snow melting.
From “Let’s play!”

I’m from the spring and summer.
From flowers and grass.
From apples and pears.
From trees in pots in my house.
From “There’s more time than life.”

 

 

Where I’m From
Michelle R.

I’m from Brandon and Daisy.
From cookies and pizza.
From tacos and macaroni and cheese.
From Mexico and Chicago.

I’m from Zuleyka and Mitzielys.
From chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers.
From parks and ice cream.
From “Save your brother!”

I’m from Adamaris and Andrivel.
From tacos and mango.
From school and water.
From “You need to do your homework.”

 

 

My Family and Friends
Giselle F.

I’m from Gabriela and Salvador.
From coco bread.
From chilaquiles and posole.
From Mexico.

I’m from my family and friends.
From cookies and cream.
From the USA flag.

I’m from my teacher and love.
From New York.

 

Ms. Pease
3rd Grade

 

I’m From…
Bianca D.

I’m From Chicago and Mexico.
From Alireren and Nomar.
From the smell of cake and cupcakes.
From people and kids.

From pancakes and hot cocoa.
From bed and supper time.
From diamond earrings.

 

Who Am I?
Sophia B.

I’m from Karenis and Leonie.
From the smell of cake.
From meat and spaghetti.
From Navy Pier.

From Cuba and Chicago.
From “Food’s ready!”

 

 

Where I’m From
Jaliyah D.

I’m from Bianca and Leon.
From the smell of my mom’s cookies.
From soup, pizza, and cornbread.
From the Logan Theater.

From Nicaragua Pue.
From “Go big or go home!”
I am from pink earrings.

 

 

My Life
Evelyn M.

I’m from Mexico and Chicago.
From Mexican food that is very good.
From my Mexican flag and my family.
From all of my family in Mexico.

From the people that are important to me.
From all of my family.
From my family saying “You are still going to live.”
From “My family is important to me.”
From I am important to them.

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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.”
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“Writing poetry is like your best friend.”
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