I am from Harlem Manhattan, where at day time, music is around ever corner of street. You will see graffiti on walls but I see art. When it become night time the lights of building lit up like sparkle stars. The police sirens goes off and ambulances race time to save someone life.

I am also from the roaring and dangerous Bronx. Everyday you will see a police officers stopping an innocence person from their day assuming their are up to no good. I am from the Bronx, where you cant tell you hear fireworks or a gun shoot outside your window.

I am from religious, and conservative family. Where my voice doesnt really matter as much, and the only thing I can do Is listen to everything my oldest say. I am from where my life isnt really my life that my parent plan everything out for me. The only thing I can do is rebel against them.

I am from the county of kings, home of the Notorious B.I.G

Spread love its the Brooklyn way, in the winter long nights

In the summer, long days

Skating rink, Coney Island, Prospect Park

Hiding seek, steal the bacon or manhunt at dark.

Where I’m from is the greatest, its made me who I am

The city is filled with people, from all walks of life

But where I’m from, you gotta be careful and always walk with a knife.

If you’re not from here, it may take some getting used to

Mean muggin, loud noise and street fights

I’ll introduce you

Brooklyn.

The creative arts–music, dance, visual arts, storytelling and poetry–are all important expressions of culture and provide children with an opportunity to find their voice. In this assignment, you will explore the importance of bringing poetry into early childhood classrooms.

Now, watch this amazing video of a young poet sharing her work at a TEDxKids Talk:

Review the powerpoint Our Cultures, Our Words: Poetry in Early Childhood Education.

The final slide of the powerpoint is my “I Am From…” poem, along with a photograph of me in Central Park during the summer of 1974.

For this week’s seminar project, write your own “I Am From…” poem and post it here on Open Lab.