Objectives: Heid Erdrich embraces her Ojibwe heritage in her writing. Create your own written work about family traditions to be read aloud.

Tools/Resources: Pencil and paper.

Activity:

1) Choose a memory of a favorite family tradition.

a. Write a short poem inspired by that memory.

i. Focus on using visual language to give the reader the feeling of memory, not just the facts.
ii. Include description of the way the food smelled, the weather that day, etc.

2) In small groups have everyone but the reader close their eyes.

a. Using “nothing, but the power of words,” read your poems aloud.

3) Regroup and discuss the segment and the power of words:

a. What makes poetry and prose powerful?
b. How does closing your eyes change the way you listened to the poem?