Led by Dr. Allison Slade, the two newest DLTL cohorts collaborated on a culturally responsive writing activity in their DLTL 443 class – Academic Language Development Across Content Areas. Using mentor text poem “Where I’m From” each class wrote one poem that expressed their identities and culture. Presented here is the poem written by our Chicago DLTL Cohort:
Where I’m From – DLTL Chicago Cohort 2019-2020
I am from mama y papa
From el campo
From “no se dice que se dice Mande”
And taza de canela y pan dulce
I am from Guanjuato where I long to go every summer to hug and laugh
With my family
From “If you are going to do something do it well”
And “If you are going to be a tree, be the best tree on the block”
I am from the smell of CPS elementary cafeterias
And the nostalgia of them
From salsa music blasting in the living room
And novelas blaring on the kitchen TV
I am from salty breeze, fried fish
And coconut rice
I am from the frustrated dreams of my father
And the stubbornness of my mother
From my mother’s womb
And my father’s heart
I am from English speaking at home
And Español con tías, tíos y abuelitos
From laughter and dancing in the kitchen
And a strong matriarch to hold us up
I am from whispers in the morning
And Yelling long distance phone calls
From parents’ roots
And walks on the beach
I am from heating my dad’s diesel truck make it home
And tejandas, banda, familia y tequila
From hip-hop
And freestyling on the porch
I am from salsa y aguacate
And inspirando en el balcón
I am from the land of the lakes
And meet me at the green thing.
From Los Bukis and Metallica
And a one bedroom apartment para 4.
I am from a hard-working couple
And who loves her children to infinity and beyond
I am from up and at ‘em
And tired eyes
From busy streets
And reading books
I am from humble beginnings
And big dreams
The Chicago cohort is currently in their 3rd course of the program – Biliteracy Program Design and Development– and will be completing their intensive Summer coursework at the end of this week.
