I'm thankful... Poem and writing activity

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Home : 2006 : November : 18

I'm thankful... Poem and writing activity
By Risa

Last year, in the last-minute rush of trying to find a quick but thought-provoking writing activity, I took this poem that made the rounds in email and turned it into a simple writing activity.

The poem (below) is
called "I'm Thankful" (also attached and formatted with a simple border) After we read it, we had a discussion about how we have to deal with a lot of things we might not like, but the fact that we have them gives us reason to be thankful.

We talked about these things from a kid's perspective. Some students seemed to have trouble understanding and/or writing this, so, I made

a simple format (I don't like but thankful, attached belowl) where students could write their own poem in a similar fashion . After the poems were written as first drafts, students wrote them on plain paper and then designed an appropriate fall-themed border for their page.
:s)

Poem (for those who want to preview the poem without downloading):
I'm Thankful…
Author Unknown

…for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours,
because it means I am alive.

…for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,
because it means I have been capable of working hard.

…for my shadow that watches me work,
because it means I am out in the sunshine.

…for the taxes that I pay,
because it means that I am employed.

…for the clothes that fit a little too snug,
because it means I have enough to eat.

…for the teen-ager who is complaining about doing dishes
because he is at home and not on the streets.

…for the mess to clean up after a party,
because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

…for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and need fixing, because it means I have a home.

…for the lady behind me in church that sings off key,
because it means that I can hear.

…for all the complaining I hear about the government,
because it means that I have freedom of speech.

…for the parking spot at the far end of the parking lot,
because it means I am capable of walking
and that I have been blessed with transportation.

…for my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.