Exploring John Clare’s “I Am”: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Nature Reverence for the Classroom

John Clare’s poem “I Am” offers a deeply introspective exploration of self-awareness, identity, and the interconnectedness of humanity with the natural world. With its evocative imagery and heartfelt introspection, this poem provides valuable insights for students as they navigate their own sense of self and connection to the world around them. Here are some inspiring lessons and online resources to guide your exploration of Clare’s poem with your students:

1. Contextual Understanding: Begin by providing students with context about John Clare’s life and the historical context in which “I Am” was written. Discuss Clare’s experiences as a Romantic poet and his deep connection to the English countryside, which informed much of his poetry.

2. Close Reading: Dive into a close reading of “I Am,” examining Clare’s use of language, imagery, and poetic devices to convey his message. Encourage students to analyze the structure of the poem, including its rhythmic flow and the significance of its repetitive refrain, and discuss the meaning of each stanza in relation to the poem as a whole.

3. Exploring Themes: Engage students in discussions about the themes of self-discovery, identity, and nature reverence that permeate “I Am.” Encourage them to reflect on Clare’s portrayal of the human experience and how it relates to their own sense of self and connection to the natural world.

4. Nature Exploration: Provide opportunities for students to explore the natural world around them and reflect on their own experiences of nature. Encourage them to go on nature walks, observe the changing seasons, and engage in creative activities inspired by Clare’s love of the countryside.

5. Creative Expression: Encourage students to respond creatively to “I Am” through writing, art, or performance. Invite them to write their own poems inspired by Clare’s themes of self-awareness and nature reverence, or create visual representations of the natural world using mixed media.

Online Resources:

• “I Am” Full Text: Read the full text of the poem on the Poetry Foundation website – Access the complete text of John Clare’s poem along with additional background information and analysis.
• Analysis of “I Am” by Poetry Analysis: Poetry Analysis – Explore a detailed analysis of “I Am” by Poetry Analysis, including themes, motifs, and literary devices used by John Clare in the poem.
• John Clare Biography: Poetry Foundation – Learn more about the life and works of John Clare, including his contributions to literature and his impact on the Romantic movement.

By incorporating John Clare’s “I Am” into your classroom curriculum, you can inspire students to contemplate their own sense of self and connection to the natural world. Let Clare’s heartfelt words be a source of reflection and inspiration as students embark on their own journey of self-discovery and nature reverence.

Online Resources For Teaching Poetry in the Classroom:

• Poetry Foundation (poetryfoundation.org)
• Academy of American Poets (poets.org)
• Scholastic Poetry Resources (scholastic.com/teachers/genres/poetry)
• ReadWriteThink Poetry Resources (readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/grade/k-12/genre-115)

This is part of my National Poetry Month resources for the classroom. Be sure to check out some of my other resources here.