Imagine
Apply in the Classroom
Inspire students to think about their interests and all the things they could do when you read aloud Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera. Help students understand that Imagine is a memoir that tells the author’s own story of growing his courage and creativity to see beyond “what is” to “what can be.” Have students do some self-reflection and create “I Am” poems that depict how they feel and think about themselves. Then, help students give voice to their aspirations by:
- having them write poems in the style of Imagine that share what they would like to be or do
- inviting parents, other students, and special guests to hear students read their poems
- having them share books that have helped them discover their own voices and develop their dreams.
Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing
What experiences have made you who you are today?
What do you imagine your future will look like?
Where is your favorite place to dream and imagine? What does it look like?
How can you make what you imagine come true?
Related Teaching Resources
Juan Felipe Herrera reads “Imagine”
Classroom Bookshelf activities to compare Imagine! and Imagine
Colorin Colorado video interview with Juan Felipe Herrera
Juan Felipe Herrera author study guide from Lee & Low
More Titles to Try
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Dreamers by Yuji Morales
Imagine! by Raúl Colón
What If… by Samantha Berger
My Chinatown: One Year in Poems by Kam Mak
The Upside Down Boy/El niño de cabeza by Juan Felipe Herrera
More