1.2 Discussion: Where I’m From Poem and Recording — Post and Peer Replies
“Wher
1.2 Discussion: Where I’m From Poem and Recording — Post and Peer Replies
“Where I’m From” poem and recordingWhere I’m From
I am from clothespins,
from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.
I am from the dirt under the back porch.
(Black, glistening,
it tasted like beets.)
I am from the forsythia bush
the Dutch elm
whose long-gone limbs I remember
as if they were my own.
I’m from fudge and eyeglasses,
from Imogene and Alafair.
I’m from the know-it-alls
and the pass-it-ons,
from Perk up! and Pipe down!
I’m from He restoreth my soul
with a cottonball lamb
and ten verses I can say myself.
I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch,
fried corn and strong coffee.
From the finger my grandfather lost
to the auger,
the eye my father shut to keep his sight.
Under my bed was a dress box
spilling old pictures,
a sift of lost faces
to drift beneath my dreams.
I am from those moments–
snapped before I budded —
leaf-fall from the family tree.
Purpose
By completing the following assignment, you will introduce yourselves to your peers and your instructor in order to create a learning community. During this course, you will be writing papers that will be read by members of the class. If you know more about your audience, it will be easier to write for that audience. Instructions
Read, Listen to, and watch “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon. (See above.)
Brainstorm — List specific details related to your life. The key is to make this exercise as specific and personal as possible. Use nicknames or words that only you or your family use. Use items and places that are specific to your life, memories, and experiences. Don’t worry about readers not knowing what you’re talking about. This is own your personal poem. When you put it all together, you will see that it conveys a deep sense about you. Some details you might consider:Parents and relatives
Food and meals
Family games or activities
Songs
Children’s stories, books, or poetry you still remember
Family sayings that were often repeated
Great advice you received from older family members
Ordinary household items
Traditions or family traits
Religious experiences or symbols
Accidents or traumatic experiences
Joys and losses
Write your own “Where I’m From” poem.Open a Google Doc or other software. Using the list you created, write your own “Where I’m From” poem. Don’t worry about naming a specific place – follow the poem’s spirit of giving a sense of place through personal details. Use as many of the items on your list as you like. Don’t worry about form or structure. Write your poem however you like.
Record yourself.Use your mobile phone or the Studio tool in Canvas to record yourself reading your poem, either as a video file or an audio file.Record Audio on a Mobile PhoneLinks to an external site..
Record in Canvas StudioLinks to an external site.. You can record on your computer using your webcam and microphone, or headphones, or you can record on your cell phone using the Canvas Student AppLinks to an external site.. You do not need to record video. For audio only, you can select the “No Video” option for “Webcam.”
Post your written poem and recording.Select the Reply button. Copy and paste your poem into the discussion box.
Select Insert to upload/attach your recording.
Insert a picture of yourself or a picture of something that reflects your poem.
Read and reply to peers.Read, watch, and/or listen to your classmates’ poems and respond to at least two of your peers, commenting on what struck you the most.
Select Reply on your peer’s posting and type your response in the text box beneath the original post.
Grading
You will receive 30 points for submitting the poem and responding to your peers. Your own poem is worth 15 points. Your video or audio recording is worth 5 points, and each peer review is worth 5 points.