For the first workshop it is a good idea to use scaffolded poems for learners to learn a bit more about each other.

Actvity 1: BIO POEM

Hand out a copy of the bio poem – as below (and see Handout: Getting to know you). Tell learners that there are no right or wrong ways to fill it in. You can scroll down this link to see examples https://live.fundza.mobi/home/fanz/poetry/write4life-1-bio-poems/
And make sure to do one yourself to share with learners as well!

WRITING A BIO-POEM

I am ______________________________________________________ (first name only)
_________________________ and ____________________(2 adjectives that describe you)
Who loves __________________, ________________ and ______________
(3 people or things)
Who fears _________________________ and _________________________ (2 things)
Who dreams of ___________________________________________________
I am ______________________________________________________ (first name)
I am ___________________________________________ (first name and last name)
Encourage learners to share their bio-poem with the group.
If you have shy learners, you could offer to read the poem out for them. But do not force anyone to share if they really don’t want to. The most important thing is to create a safe and comfortable space, and to ensure no learner should be forced to share if they don’t want to.

Activity 2: IF I WERE…
Writers often use interesting metaphors and similes in order to make their writing fresh and exciting. Learners also need to understand the concept of comparison for their studies in literature.
This activity is a fun and imaginative way for learners to play with this concept in an unthreatening and enjoyable way and come to understand the point – and power – of figurative language.

Ask learners to write a poem of 5 lines where they choose:
a type of car;
a season;
a piece of furniture;
an animal and
a piece of clothing
that best represents their personality and qualities. For every choice, they need to give a reason why that inanimate object or animal best reflects who they are. What qualities do they share with the chosen object? What is it about the way they look, and behave or what their function is that best reflects the writer?
Here is the structure to follow: (see Handout page 2 of Getting to know you)
If I were a car I would be a ………………………… because ………………………….
If I were a season I would be ………………………… because ………………………….
If I were a piece of furniture I would be a/an ………………………… because ………………………….
If I were an animal I would be a/an …………………………… because ………………………….
If I were a piece of clothing I would be a/an ………………………… because ………………………….

Here is an example you can read to learners (but theirs doesn’t have to be so detailed)
If I were a car, I would be a Ferrari because I am stylish, stand out in a crowd and live on adrenaline.
If I were a season, I would be summer because I am all about the outdoors, socializing and that Christmas vibe.
If I were a piece of furniture, I would be a sleeper couch with scatter cushions that pop as I am adaptable and have flair.
If I were an animal, I would be a lion as I am proud, and protective and go after what I want, but I also love to just chill and relax and bask in the sun.
If I were a piece of clothing I would be a favourite pair of jeans as I am trusted, easy going and fun-loving.

Once learners have completed this activity, get them to read it to the group if they feel comfortable doing so. It is an entertaining piece to share with their peers. Or again, you could read it for the shyer ones.

Download handout here