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
No comments:
Post a Comment