I Poetry. . .What is that?

“I Poetry”…what could that mean?  It isn’t quite like the poems you would read by Emily Dickenson, nor from Shel Silverstein.  These are the poems that clearly define the poet behind them.

But wait; doesn’t each poet do that already when they write a poem?  Doesn’t it come from within them?

The answer is yes.  However, the way they interpret their poem is all their own.  When poetry is composed in the classroom as a way to reflect on certain knowledge, a famous person in history, or individual character, it is often called “I Poetry”.  The poet usually writes as if he or she is describing him/herself or another person.  This type of poetry allows for students to get creative and think deeply on what they recognize within themselves, or someone else.  These poems are always written in the first person, giving the poet a chance to be innovative in how they choose to reveal their understanding of a character, a historical figure, or themselves.

I have written an “I Poem” in the spirit of Blackbeard!  He was a notorious pirate from the 1700s, and children would love to write poems inspired by his typical piratical nature.  You can check it out on my Pirates (Arghh) page, or just click here.  You will find a link on this page where you can hear me recite this poem as well!

Because I enjoyed writing the piratical “I Poem”, I wrote one about myself as well.  You can find it here on my poetry page.  You will also find another link on this page where you can hear me recite this poem as well!

To learn more about “I Poetry”, open this powerpoint and save it for yourself!

I Poetry (Developed by Beth Frye, Katie Blackburn, and Kelley Wilson)

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