My President

by Danez Smith

Photo by Tabia Yapp

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: My President

Step 1

Start by showing the following video. Then ask your students what they would like to see in a president, or ask them to nominate somebody whom they feel possesses all of their ideal “presidential” qualities.

Step 2

Read “My President” by Danez Smith. Then briefly discuss the content of the poem. Why do they choose to nominate all the people they chose to include in the poem?

Step 3

Give your students some time to brainstorm a list of qualities or people who should have “presidential status.”

Step 4

Have your students write a poem like “My President” in which they pay homage to all the people who truly embody what it should mean to be the President of the United States.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses with one another.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Various

Step 1

This lesson allows students to analyze various concepts and skills, so it is recommended that you have covered several of the “standalone” lessons before assigning this one. The prominent literary devices & techniques that this particular poem includes are: diction, selection of detail, figurative language, structure, structure (syntax), imagery, and tone.

Step 2

Start by showing the following video. Then ask your students what they would like to see in a president, or ask them to nominate somebody whom they feel possesses all of their ideal “presidential” qualities.

Step 3

Read “My President” by Danez Smith. Then briefly discuss the content of the poem. Why do they choose to nominate all the people they chose to include in the poem?

Step 4

Have your students open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, students will have to analyze the poem, determine the message that the poet is trying to convey, and create a visual that captures the essence of Smith’s larger message. Then give the students time to work.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their products with one another. Or you may show them the following sample student response.

Lesson Details

Lesson Info

Focus

  • Various

Themes

  • Appreciation
  • Children / Youth
  • Class
  • Community / Culture
  • Creativity / Imagination / Writing
  • Family
  • Friendship
  • History
  • Home / Homelessness
  • Immigration
  • Joy
  • Labor / Work
  • Philosophy
  • Race / Ethnicity / Racism
  • Social Movements / Protest

Literary Tags

  • Diction
  • Figurative Language
  • Imagery
  • Selection of Detail
  • Structure
  • Structure (Syntax)
  • Tone