LOCATION: Washington, DC (Columbia Heights)

PROJECT: "Imitation Writing and Poetry" patterned after Shel Silverstein's "Hug o' War"

DESCRIPTION: The "Imitation Writing and Poetry" project engaged children and counselors in a group reading and writing project. Using the structure of Shel Silverstein's "Hug o' War" allowed us to share a basic structure while developing our own unique poems. The children were 2nd-3rd graders.

Process:

• Group read the poem "Hug o' War" together.
• Counselors led second read-aloud, pausing midway through each line while the children continued.
• Each participant (children and counselors alike) was given a handout with the basic structure of the poem.
• Each participant was encouraged to finish each line with original content.
• Each participant read his/her poem to the whole group.
• We then brainstormed original poem ideas, wrote them and presented them to the group.

TIME: one hour

STAFF MEMBER: Jomo Graham, Networked Learning Center Director