Grade 6
PoetryWritingBEFORE
Before the virus, there wasn’t much of a fuss
Kids would ride to school on the yellow school bus
They would laugh and dance and sing and play
And appreciate this beautiful day
Why would the kids go to school? So they can learn.
Things like 1+1 and how to water a fern
Then came lunch, and they filled their bellies
With hot dogs, donuts, and a peanut butter jelly
After lunch they had no regrets
Since in tech ed, they sat around and sent texts
But that all ended when they heard the news,
And then began the corona blues.
NOW
We got sent home, never to return
We never fully learned how to water a fern 🙁
Our happiness was crippling
As we endured social distancing
But there was a plus side, we all got some A.I.
Which is one more reason for you not to cry
Classrooms turned to zoom rooms in your own house
Everyone was using it, even your pet mouse
On weekends you couldn’t go to target or buy
Things like video games, toys, or some yellow die.
You had to wear masks everywhere you go
You couldn’t go to your friends house to play Mario
On the news things have gone awry
As hundreds of thousands of millions die,
BUT WAIT! Don’t assume that fun is dead,
It’s not over, my friends
Just look to the future ahead!
IN THE FUTURE
Eventually we will find a cure
And everyone will cheer
The kids will play the new Smash Bros character
No one will have fear.
Target will open up once more
Things will be as happy as can be!
You will finally be able to get Kingdom Hearts 3!
You can ride on a roller coaster
Get a hot dog,
You can even play with your pet hog!
In September schools will open once more
You will experience more joy than ever before,
And this virus will be nothing more than the flu
I’m starting to see some hope! What about you?
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
Whether students write to process, to remember, to imagine, or to heal, this collection of prompts asks students to recognize…
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO
A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
by Ari, 826CHI
In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!
by Mady, 826 Valencia
A student examines the mermaid industry today through a historical lens that begins in the late-nineteenth century, turning fantasy into a profession.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Kevin, 826NYC
A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Krisbel D.L.M., Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Yanni, 826NYC
This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Christian, 826michigan
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Leslie, 826NYC
In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Kelis, 826michigan
This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
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