Mary Pipher's 'I Am From' in Art Application & Poetic Expression for Identity Exploration

Y

6

Teachers

Creative Writing; Art; Self Expression; Self Concept; Cultural Influences; Poetry; Writing Exercises; Critical Thinking; Lesson Plans; Writing Instruction

1068-3844

Students from all over the world, from various ethnic and racial communities, make up the student population of the schools in the United States. Each one of them brings to the classroom several unique characteristics. Creative writing and art are both empowering tools that meet the commonality of self-expression. Both are processes "in which students can find ways of expressing their perception of culture" through artistic representations or words, and which help students identify the influence of culture on their formation of personal identity (Kiratli & Eristi, 2011, p. 139). In chapter two of the book "Writing to Change the World,", entitled "Know Thyself," Mary Pipher states that the first step in her goal to "experiment with identity" is to write a poem with every line starting with the phrase "I am from." This article includes Mary Pipher's inspirational poem, a lesson plan and related activities, and a template for students to use, all geared to help the individual child develop critical awareness, critical thinking, and identity definition.

ERIC

7

2017

EJ1170778