Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Iambic Pentameter with Kwame Alexander

 

April 2021

Poetic inspiration has come to Lafayette Avenue School in the form of an expert in free verse, Kwame Alexander. When asked why he writes in verse, Newbury and Caldecott Winner replied, "Why not?!?"
 

In preparation for our virtual Author's Day with Mr. Alexander, LAF students all read Becoming Muhammad Ali by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson. This historical fiction novel about professional boxer, Muhammad Ali's childhood taught us that poetry can be enjoyable and can tell in-depth stories. 



With it's setting in segregated Louisville, KY, Becoming Muhammad Ali tackles racial prejudices that are still a problem today. When asked how students in 4th and 5th grades can help to combat racism, Mr. Alexander advised students to read books about cultures different from his/her own and to always be kind!


Mr. Alexander spoke about his editing process and explained that revising his poems is his favorite part of each of his projects. He compared the brainstorming and the first draft to getting dressed. The editing is like choosing the accessories; Which color shoes should I wear? Ponytail or mohawk? Hat sideways, backward or forward facing? He encouraged students to revisit their drafts with enthusiasm and to have fun while improving their writing. 


After listening to this amazing poet, many LAF students were motivated to try writing poetry for themselves.

Here's a LAF original inspired by Kwame

Buzzer Beater

By Jack Bealer


Slipping on my idol’s shoes 

Air Jordans tied tight

I’m on the court

Ready to go



I get the ball at half court

Through the legs

Crossover

Drive to the basket

Pass it out for someone to shoot a three

The ball goes up in the air


Silence


Over the rim

And then 

SWOOOSH

The crowd roars!!


I look over at the stands

And I couldn’t believe it

It was really him

The real GOAT

The real Michael Jordan

Watching ME win the game! 





Find even more LAF original poems in the


Kwame Alexander-"Ingredients of a Poem"

The Crossover: Graphic Novel by Kwame Alexander



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