Sequence of activities:

Let’s Visualize (5 mins)

Have students sit in a comfortable place with their writing supplies and close their eyes. Make a suggestion that crisscross apple sauce is a good place to start if the students ask how they should sit. Have the students practice a breathing technique. I say, “Smell the cupcake (breathing in), Blow out the candle (breath out).”

Ask the students to visualize what makes them feel happiest. What do you see/hear, where are you, what does that feeling remind you of?

Brain storm (2 mins)

Ask students to make a note of the thoughts and feelings they had. Restate the questions: What do you see/hear, where are you, what does that feeling remind you of?

Present the writing prompt: If you were in charge of the whole world, what would you do to make the world a happier place?

Write the poem (30 mins):

1. Ask students to name their own town as the title of the poem.
2. For the first line of the poem students will describe their plans: I (insert name) have decided to make some changes to make the world a happier place we will now _________________________________________________________ (fill in blank)
3.  _____________________________________________________________(describe why)
4. How does doing your suggested change help people feel the way you do when you are the most happy?
5. Happiness is __________________________________(fill in blank using metaphors)
6. Write the following: “If I were to change the world, I would make it a happier place …”  
7. For __________________ (who do you want to change it for? Add one name or a list of names)
8. Write the following “If I were in charge of the world …”  
9.  ___________________________________( would be the answer )
10. We call it________________________(insert town name)

Share out (8 mins):

Have students share poem with the group.

Poem example:

Bikini Bottom FrediRICO

I Brianna Green have decided to make some changes to make the world a happier place we will now only have cake for breakfast
This law to make everyone start the day on a good note.
You’ll be happy for a cool minute.
Happiness is like getting money.
Like opening Christmas presents.
Like getting a complement.
Like achieving your goals.
If I were to change the world, I would make it a happier place
For
My family
My mom
Dad
Sister and friends.
If I were in charge of the world
Cake would be the answer
We call it Bikini Bottom FrediRICO.