📚 Learning Goals & Success Criteria

I can... analyze the meaning and themes of a poem

I can... identify imagery and literary devices in poetry

I can... support my answers with evidence from the text

Success Criteria:

✓ I can explain what the poem means in my own words

✓ I can find specific examples from the poem to support my ideas

✓ I can use the R.A.C.E. strategy in my responses

📝 Poetry Text & Annotation Instructions

Read the poem below and mark it up using these annotation strategies:

Annotation Guide:

🔸 Underline key words that show the speaker's identity or personality

🔸 Circle words that express emotions or feelings

🔸 Put a star (★) next to lines that create vivid imagery

🔸 Write brief notes in the margins about what you notice

"Skinny Tomboy Kid"

I was a skinny tomboy kid

who liked to climb the apple tree,

scrape my knees on sidewalk cracks,

and run wild and free.

My hair was always tangled up,

my clothes were torn and stained.

While other girls played with their dolls,

I danced out in the rain.

They said I should act like a lady,

sit still and comb my hair.

But I had adventures waiting—

I had no time to spare.

Now I'm older, wiser too,

but that kid still lives in me.

The skinny tomboy who dared to dream

and chose to just be free.

Annotation Space

Circle emotions:

★ Imagery notes:

Key identity words:

Theme notes:

Quick Annotation Summary: After marking up the poem, write 2-3 key observations:

🎭 Poem Analysis Questions

1. What is the main theme or message of this poem about identity and growing up?

It's better to be popular than different

Being true to yourself is important

Children should always follow rules

Sports are the most important activity

2. Which literary devices can you identify in the poem? (Check all that apply)

Imagery (descriptive language)

Repetition

Metaphor

Rhyme scheme

3. What tone or mood does the speaker express about being a "skinny tomboy kid"?

Ashamed and embarrassed

Proud and confident

Angry and bitter

Sad and lonely

✏️ R.A.C.E. Strategy Responses

4. Using the R.A.C.E. strategy, explain how the speaker feels about her identity. Include evidence from the poem.

Remember: Restate the question, Answer it, Cite evidence, Explain your thinking

5. What imagery (descriptive words) does the poet use to help readers picture the speaker? Cite specific examples.

6. How might this poem connect to your own experiences or the experiences of other young people today?

7. Personal Reflection: Write about a time when you felt different from others. How did it make you feel?

Skinny Tomboy Poetry Analysis

Skinny Tomboy Poetry Analysis

📚 Learning Goals & Success Criteria

📝 Poetry Text & Annotation Instructions

"Skinny Tomboy Kid"

🎭 Poem Analysis Questions

✏️ R.A.C.E. Strategy Responses

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