On a piece of paper, write down the three themes
that we discussed in Of Mice and Men.
For each theme, write down one example from the
novel.
You will share your examples with the class.
FOUND POETRY
WHAT IS FOUND POETRY?
 Definition: A type of poetry that is created by taking words
or phrases from other sources and rearranging them into the
form of a poem.
 Books, article, websites, etc.
 Found poetry is usually free verse.
 Does not have a set rhyme or pattern.
HOW TO CREATE A FOUND POEM
Select and read a text to inspire you.
2. Select a central idea, theme, or topic that will be the focus of
the poem.
3. Select words or phrases from the text that help convey the
idea, theme, or topic.
4. Rearrange the words or phrases to form your poem.
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5.
The lines should flow and have a logical sequence.
Do not add any additional words.
Remember: poems do not have to rhyme.
Give your poem a creative title.
EXAMPLE
A found poem uses language from other texts and turns it into
poetry. Think of it like a collage of words and phrases. Writing this
types of poetry is a kind of treasure hunt. Search for interesting
scraps of language, then put them together in different ways and see
what comes out. Putting seemingly unrelated things together can
create a kind of chemical spark, leading to surprising results.
FOUND POETRY
Treasure of scraps of language
Words and phrases
Put them together
In different ways
Spark surprising results
PRACTICE
 Work with a partner to create a found poem.
 Select 3 quotes that support the theme.
 Write a poem that is 5 lines.
 Present poem to the class.
2nd QUARTER INDEPENDENT
READING PROJECT
 Create a found poem based on a theme from your
independent novel.
 Poem should be at least15 lines.
 Poem should be typed.
 Select at least 10 quotes.
 Write the quotes on the worksheet I provide.
 Underline or highlight the parts of the quote you use in the
poem.
 Use correct parenthetical citations.
 (Author’s last name #)
 Present you poem to the class.
 Use the checklist that I have provided to make sure that you
follow all of the guidelines
EXAMPLE 1
“Life in this Universe”
I believe the universe wants to be noticed
It is improbably biased toward consciousness
Living in the middle of history
On a roller coaster that only goes up
You don’t get to choose if you get hurt
But you do have some say in what hurts you
You don’t give it the power to do its killing
But I’m a rebel
And I like my choices
Chosen slowly and then all at once
EXAMPLE 1
 “I believe the universe wants to be noticed. I think the universe is improbably
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biased toward consciousness, that it rewards intelligence in part because the
universe enjoys it elegance being observed” (Green 223).
“And who am I, living in the middle of history, to tell the universe that it—or
my observation on it—is temporary” (Green 223).
“I’m on a rollercoaster that only goes up my friend” (Green 11).
“You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have some
say in who hurts you. I like my choices” (Green 313).
“It’s a metaphor, see: you put the killing thing between your teeth, but you
don’t give it the power to do its killing” (Green 20).
“I shouldn’t, but I’m a rebel” (Green 108).
“as he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly and then all at once”
(Green 125).
EXAMPLE 2
“Humans”
We want to be noticed
To not be temporary
Leaving a mark
Bequeathing a legacy
That is part of history
To help
To hurt
Living
Outlasting the inevitability of human oblivion
But everything is a story that ends
EXAMPLE 2
 “Almost everyone is obsessed with leaving a mark upon the world.
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Bequeathing a legacy. Outlasting death. We all want to be remembered”
(Green 310).
“We’re as likely to hurt the universe as we are to help it, and we’re not likely
to do either” (Green 312).
“I believe the universe wants to be noticed. I think the universe is impossibly
biased toward consciousness, that it rewards intelligence in part because the
universe enjoys its elegance being observed. And who am I, living in the
middle of history, to tell the universe that it—or my observation of it—is
temporary” (Green 223).
I know it’s a very literary decision and everything and probably part of the
reason I love the book so much, but there is something to recommend a story
that ends” (Green 49).”
“If the inevitability of human oblivion worries you, I encourage you to ignore
it” (Green 13).
EXAMPLE 3
“Champion”
We are the creators of our own destiny.
Be it through intention or ignorance,
That which we manifest is before us
A true champion
Embraces his fear.
The true test
To understand
Is to be alone.
Interminable minutes tick by.
I am lonely.
However,
I can overcome this.
I am ready.
EXAMPLE 3
 “But a racer should not fear the rain, he should embrace it” (Stein 44).
 “Such a simple concept, yet so true; that which we manifest is before us;
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we are the creators of our own destiny” (Stein 43).
“Be it through intentions or ignorance, our success and failures have been
brought on by none other than ourselves” (Stein 43).
“However things might change around us, we would always be together”
(Stein 106).
“The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether
he can overcome obstacles—preferably of his own making—in order to
triumph” (Stein 135).
“I am ready” (Stein 980.
“Did he understand, as those interminable minutes ticked by, that being
alone is not the same as being lonely” (Stein).