How to Write an I Am Poem with Kids
Writing I am poems with your kids is such a fun way to celebrate National Poetry Month, but even if it isn’t April, they are a fantastic style of poetry to write at any time of year.
It’s a simple format. It’s a fun type of writing. And it’s great for all ages!
My kids always surprise me with creative phrases that brilliantly describe and reveal exactly who they are.
Let’s write!
I Am Poetry
There are so many great reasons to love I Am poems. First, the format is simple so anyone can write an I Am poem. You simply complete the sentence starters.
I Am poems are perfect for any age. Your youngest children can dictate their responses, while older children can write their thoughts. Teenagers and adults often love the challenge to think a bit more creatively.
My favorite aspect of an I Am poem is that it beautifully captures a snapshot of the author at their current age. The poem reveals the hopes, dreams, and fears of the author at the time of writing their poem. Of course, I love having these poetic treasures that reflect my children at the time of writing.
An “I Am Poem” Example from my Childhood
I wrote this I Am poem when I was 12 years old. I am so grateful that my mom saved it because it is what inspired me to write this type of poem with my students and then my own children.
My poem was written as part of my middle school English class assignments. My mother was wise enough to save it in a packet of school assignments from that year.
It’s so fun to see my own handwriting and read my thoughts and feelings about life. I see so much of who I am now reflected in my thoughts at 12 years old.
What I love the most is how much some things never change. After all, I am still a talkative girl who likes shopping though I do most of my shopping online now. My 12-year-old self would have no idea what that even means!
These are the kind of keepsakes I want to have for my own children. I would love my kids to write the poem in their own handwriting as well, but we will see if I can convince them.
The Basic Format of an I Am Poem
The basic format of the I Am poem is shown below. Each line of the poem begins with the two words shown in the format below. Your child finishes each of the sentences with their own thoughts.
I love to encourage creativity, even the use of similes or metaphors, but the point of the poem is to capture your child so don’t push too hard. Let their creative juices flow.
I Am Poem Format
I am (2 characteristics and more if you like)
I wonder (something of curiosity)
I hear (an imaginary sound)
I see (an imaginary sight)
I want (an actual desire)
I am (repeat line 1)
I pretend (something you pretend)
I feel (a feeling you have)
I touch (an imaginary touch)
I worry (something that bothers you)
I cry (something that makes you sad)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
I understand (something that is true)
I say (something you believe in)
I dream (something you dream about)
I try (something you make an effort about)
I hope (something you actually hope for)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
Write Your Own I Am Poem
This pack of free printables is designed to guide your children as they write their own I Am Poems. You’ll find the basic format as well as a fill-in-the-blank worksheet to make it simple for your child.
More Poetry Writing Ideas:
6 Word Memoir Challenge is like Poetry and great for teens!
Blackout Poetry is a different kind of poetry writing
Poetry Books for Families:
10 Children’s Poets Your Kids will Love
My Favorite Imaginative Art and Poetry Books
Haiku for Kids
Poetry Collections for Kids
She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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