In fourth grade, the students explore one of life's essential questions: What shapes your identity? They read books, had discussions and participated in activities, including creating an identity map, that celebrate each aspect of their identity that makes them unique.
Last month, the students began writing "I Am..." poems. The poems reflect each of their individual qualities and perspectives that make each of the students special. Sixty-three fourth graders recently read a stanza from their poems in a poetry-slam style morning assembly and here are a couple of examples:
I Am
by Millan B.
I am a funny mathematician.
I wonder how long I will live.
I hear the engine of my favorite car.
I see the peaceful waves of Southern California.
I am a funny mathematician.
I pretend to be a warrior, slaying monsters.
I feel happy to be at Latin School.
I touch the smooth cover of my favorite book.
I worry that all the world will be an angry war zone in the future.
I cry for all the sick people in the world.
I am a funny mathematician.
I understand global warming.
I say 'believe in yourself, don't give up'.
I dream about having super powers.
I try to do my best in everything.
I am a funny mathematician.
I Am
By Abby K.
I am creative and confident.
I wonder if my name will ever be one that everybody knows.
I hear my sister laugh.
I see a bright pink sunset.
I am creative and confident.
I pretend the world is perfect.
I feel energetic and happy.
I touch paper and a pencil.
I worry of being all alone in the world.
I cry when seeing the violence around us.
I am creative and confident.
I understand nobody is perfect.
I say "Always do your best."
I dream of the world being peaceful.
I try my best, but do not always succeed.
I am creative and confident.
- lower school