Writing Prompt: What does school sound like?

Because most of us grew up spending lots and lots of years going to school, it’s a rich source of material to write poems about.

This writing prompt starts with a warm-up, then reading of an existing poem, and then another writing session. Grab a notebook or blank document, a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s go!

Let’s start with a brainstorm. Free-write some answers to the following questions. They don’t have to be long—just a couple words or a sentence for each will do. Whatever comes to mind is great! This is just the warm-up.

• My earliest school memory is...

• School sounds like...

• School smells like...

• School looks like...

• School tastes like...

• School feels like...

Now, let’s read the poem “On Listening to Your Teacher Take Attendance” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil.

Let’s make some observations about this beautiful poem:

• Think about the five senses. Write down a list of the multi-sensory (sound, smell, taste, feel, sight) images in this poem.

• What is happening in this poem, exactly?

• Is the poem's speaker giving advice? What kind of advice? How is it delivered? To whom?

Now, let’s go back into writing again: Make a list of four school-based memories when you felt like everyone was looking at you, maybe times you felt a little uncomfortable. These memories can be significant or insignificant, memorable or somewhat fleeting.

Now, write a poem composed of the advice you would give to the student you were then. Incorporate as many concrete images related to the five senses as possible.

You might title your poem with the same format as the poem we read. For instance, “On Running the Mile in Gym” or “On Reading Aloud in English Class."

If it helps, you can set a 10-minute timer to give yourself a focused jumpstart as you compose this poem.

I’m excited to see what you come up with!