Poetry Break #5 : Song Lyrics

Introduction

The following is currently a popular rap song. I am including portions of the song here. I think it is a positive rhyme. The CD version has children singing the chorus (included here). Ask children to share what they aspire to be when they are older. Share with children your aspirations as a child.

I CAN

I know I can

Be what I wanna be

If I work hard at it

I'll be where I wanna be

Boys and girls, listen up

You can be anything in the world, in God we trust

An architect, doctor, maybe an actress

But nothing comes easy, it takes much practice

So if you gonna be the best, I'ma tell you how,

Put your hands in the air, and take a bow

Smart boys turn into men and do whatever they wish

If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this

I know I can

Be what I want to be

If I work hard at it

I can be where I wanna be

Extension

DRESS Up Time!! Have everyone dress up in costumes relevant to their career aspirations. Take polaroids of the children in their costumes. Put the pictures in a frame. On the back of the frame include the childrens future title (ex. Dr. John Doe, Teacher, Jane Doe). Allow children to take the pictures home and keep them as reminders of who they hope to become!

Jones, Nasir (NAS). 2002. God's son.  Sony Music. New York.