Poetry+Activity-Wes

Poem:

Halloween Party
by Kenn Nesbitt

We’re having a Halloween party at school. I’m dressed up like Dracula. Man, I look cool! I dyed my hair black, and I cut off my bangs. I’m wearing a cape and some fake plastic fangs. I put on some makeup to paint my face white, like creatures that only come out in the night. My fingernails, too, are all pointed and red. I look like I’m recently back from the dead. My mom drops me off, and I run into school and suddenly feel like the world’s biggest fool. The other kids stare like I’m some kind of freak— the Halloween party is not till next week. This activity will focus on a student's vulnerability. The student will reflect on a time where they were extremely embarassed whether it be in school or in their home or social life. As the students write down some thoughts they should reminese back to their elementary school days to come up with genuine ideas.

Students will then fill in the poem the is scaffolded below:

We're having a __BLANK__ party at __BLANK__. I'm dressed up like __BLANK__. Man, I look cool! I __BLANK__ my __BLANK BLANK__ and I __BLANK__ off my __BLANK__. I'm wearing a __BLANK__ and some __BLANK BLANK BLANK__.

I put on some __BLANK__ to __BLANK__ my __BLANK BLANK__. Like __BLANK__ that only come out in the __BLANK__. My __BLANK__ too, are all __BLANK__ and __BLANK__. I look like i'm recently back from __BLANK__

My mom drops me off, and I run into and suddently feel like the world's biggest fool. The other kids stare like i'm some kind of freak--- the __BLANK__ party is not till next week.

As students develop their poem regarding an embarrassing experience they will share with peers who quite possibly have had previous experiences. The poems will then be developed into skits and/or videos that will be filmed using flip cameras. If applicable students will use props and/or costumes when taped the next day.

The purpose of the assignment is to identify with self-identity and confidence. Even though peers may think you're uncool it's about who you think you are not what they think.