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Write a poem about growing up

Create your own time capsule

This poem by Lucia Kemp Henry talks about all the fun things young people can look forward to. Try reading it with your child:

When I grow up

by Lucia Kemp Henry

Someday soon when I grow up,

I’ll have a job to do.

I’ll write a book or be a cook

Or work inside a zoo.

I might want to drive a bus

Or teach children to read.

I’ll load a train or fly a plane

Or plant a little seed.

I might want to fight a fire

Or be a doctor too.

I’ll build a house or sew a blouse

Or sail the ocean blue.

So many jobs that I might choose.

I wonder what I’ll be.

I’ll work and learn

Until it’s my turn to find the right job for me.


Ask your child if they want to write their own poem like this one. They can fill in the blanks below to write down their dreams and ideas.

When I grow up

By ______________

Someday soon when I grow up,

I’ll have a job to do.

I’ll _________________ or be a ___________________

Or work in _______________________ .

I might want to ______________________________

Or ________________________________.

I’ll ___________ or _____________

Or __________________ .

I might want to ______________________________

Or be a ____________________________.

I’ll ___________ or _____________

Or __________________ .

So many jobs that I might choose.

I wonder what I’ll be.

I’ll work and learn

Until it’s my turn to find the right job for me.