Step 2:  Jot down some notes about the song. You can use the following questions to help you make some notes as you listen to the song.

• Did you like the song? Why or why not?

• What do you think the song is about? 

• What theme(s) did you notice?

• What patterns in the language did you notice? (E.g. Repeated words or phrases, rhyme, metre, imagery, etc.)

Step 4: Start writing!

• Now, try your hand at writing your own poem based on the style of “7 Years”. Here are some guidelines:

  • Write a poem with at least 4 stanzas

  • Each stanza should begin with the phrase “Once, I was ___ years old…” or “Soon, I’ll be ___ years old…”

  • Each stanza should have at least two lines

E.g.

Once, I was 8 years old, my mother told me to do my homework.

Then, in the future, I can become a doctor.

• Challenge yourself by increasing the number of lines per stanza and/or incorporating other literary devices into your poem! 

E.g.

Once, I was 8 years old, my mother told me to do my homework.

Then, in the future, I can become a doctor.

I told her I wanted to be a teacher,

But her mouth just got wider and wider

Step 6: Reflect on your poem

• Read your poem aloud to see how it flows.

• Make adjustments for rhythm, rhyme, or to add more personal elements.

• Try asking ChatGPT for synonyms, poetic devices, or suggestions to improve specific lines.