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Focus Trait: VOICE Support Trait: IDEA DEVELOPMENT

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Just Because...
Poems

giving voice to voiceless characters

The writing of author William Golding is inspiring student writers to try new techniques with the traits of voice and idea development.

Students can self-publish their writing done to this lesson by clicking here.


Additional Student Samples Being Sought:
Grades 5, 6, 10, 11, and 12

Learn more about WritingFix's policies for publishing student work by visiting our Publishing Student Writers Information Page.

WritingFix is currently seeking additional student samples from this writing assignment that can be featured in this space. Submitted student work must show evidence of revision, editing, and the final draft must be typed and sent through e-mail. Teachers: if you can help us obtain one, two or three student samples, along with a digital photo of the student(s) and a signed permission slips, we will send you either a complimentary copy of one of the Northern Nevada Writing Project's print publications.

Write to us at publish@writingfix.com and write "Just Because Poems" in your e-mail's subject line, if you have a student sample to share with us.

Student Samples: Middle School


Just Because...

by Kayli, 7th grade poet

Just because I’m a teenager
that doesn’t mean that I’m going
to grow up to be a trouble maker.

Just because I’m a teenager
that doesn’t mean that I’m going
to go with the wrong people.

Just because I’m a teenager
that doesn’t mean that I’m going
to stop being friends with you
just because you’re my mom.

Just because I’m a teenager
that doesn’t mean anything.

 

Just Because I’m Black
by Abreham, 7th grade poet

Just because I’m black
Doesn’t mean I run crack,
And do a lot of drugs.
You don’t know me,
So you shouldn’t judge me
Just because I’m black,
Doesn’t mean I’m a pimp,
And walk to town with my gun.
Just because I’m black,
You don’t know me
And so you shouldn’t judge.

 

Teenager
by Wesley, 7th grade poet

Just because I am a teenager doesn’t mean
That I will boss around little kids or
Not play little kids' games.
Or stop watching little kids' TV shows
Or stop climbing trees
Or stop swinging on swings
Or stop doing homework
Just because I am a teenager
Doesn’t mean I am a bad person
Or will not follow directions
Or become lazy.

 

 

ADHD
by Spencer, 8th grade poet

Just because I have ADHD doesn’t mean
I’m never calm
I can’t pay attention
I’m stupid
I’m good at sports
I will always misbehave
Just because I have ADHD.

 

 

Student Samples: High School

Just Because I’m Black
by Charles, 9th grade writer

Just because I’m black doesn’t mean
I’m bad.
I’ll shoot you.
I always listen to rap and wear bling.
I play basketball.
I can dance.
I eat chicken and drink cool-aid.
I want you staring at me.
Just because I’m black, you think you
know me. You don’t.

 

Just Because I’m Your Little Girl
by Molly, 9th grade writer

Just because I’m your little girl doesn’t mean I can’t do what I want. I’m getting older, I’m changing.

Just because I’m your little girl doesn’t mean I will never disobey you. No one is perfect, I can make my own decisions.

Just because I’m your little girl doesn’t mean you can control me my whole life. I’m independent. I’m a big girl now.

I love you, you know I do, but let me go just because I’m your little girl.

 

Just Because I’m Asian
by Quan, 9th grade writer

Just because I’m Asian doesn’t mean I’m smart.
Just because I’m Asian doesn’t mean
I play video games all day.
Just because I’m Asian doesn’t mean
I only eat rice and I’m 4’9’’.
Just because I’m Asian doesn’t mean
I’m obedient and scared of my parents.
Just because I’m Asian doesn’t mean
I’m a ninja or good at DDR or shop at
the Dollar Tree or do Karaoke at parties.
Just because I’m Asian.



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