This document provides instructions for students to write a poem called "If I Were in Charge of the World". It includes analyzing a sample poem, brainstorming topics they would change if in charge, and requirements for their own poem such as having at least 3 stanzas and 15 lines. Students are asked to complete a PQP analysis of the sample poem, consider serious topics they may address, and the poem is due on Thursday.

1. Welcome to English!Please take out your journal.

2. In your journal, respond to the prompt below. Complete a PQP for the poem “If I Were in Charge of the World” by Judith Viorst.

3. If I Were in Charge of the World.If I were in charge of the worldA chocolate sundae with whipped cream and nuts would be a vegetableAll 007 movies would be G,And a person who sometimes forgot to brush, And sometimes forgot to flush,Would still be allowed to be In charge of the world. If I were in charge of the worldI'd cancel oatmeal,Monday mornings,Allergy shots, and also Sara Steinberg. If I were in charge of the worldThere'd be brighter nights lights,Healthier hamsters, andBasketball baskets forty eight inches lower.If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn't have lonely.You wouldn't have clean.You wouldn't have bedtimes.Or "Don't punch your sister."You wouldn't even have sisters.

4. In class today, we will begin writing our own “If I Were in Charge of the World” poems.

5. The First Step:Decide on the topic/message. Start by saying to yourself, “If I were in charge of the world…” and see if anything comes to mind.

6. Remember:You are in charge. The example we read is somewhat silly/humorous, but you don’t have to do that. Is there something more serious that you would change? Divorce? Death? Has something really bad ever happened to you? Of course, you are more than welcome to keep it funny.

7. The Second Step:Look back at your PQP. What did you like? What didn’t you like? Come up with some ideas for what you’d like to include/exclude when it comes to your own poem.

8. The Details:-Your poem needs to have at least 3 (count ‘em3) stanzas. Each stanza must begin with “If I Were in Charge of the World…”-You poem needs to be at least 15 lines long.-It must be typed and have a title .-The poem is due onThursday.

9. Homework:-“If I Were in Charge…” Poem (Thursday)-Vocabulary Unit 4 (Friday)

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