Lesson Plan #: AELP-WCP0067


How to Write a Biopoem

An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan


Submitted by: Lisa Kermes
Email: lisamkermes@yahoo.com
School/University/Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Date: February 7, 2000


Grade Level(s): 3, 4

Subject(s):

Duration: one 45 minute class or two 30 minute classes

Description: The students will write a biopoem following the structure provided in class, but will have creativity control. The finished poem will be posted on boy or girl patterns drawn and colored to look like each student by each student.

Goals: The students will be able to relate the other forms of poetry to writing a biopoem. This will be completion of the poetry unit and their writing of poetry.

Objectives: The Student will be able to:

  1. write their very own biopoem.
  2. use creative describing words in their poem.
  3. work in groups following group rules.
Materials: Procedure:

Anticipatory set

1. Read sample poetry.
2. Tell different types of poems
3. Tell about what we are doing today.

Lesson Focus

1. Show transparency on How to write a biopoem
2. Pass out paper and the handout
3. Show what our finished project will be
4. Practice writing their own biopoems
5. After the students work in groups for about 10 minutes, begin the final copy.
6. Do on transparency with the class

Closure

1. Pass out kid cut outs
2. Allow students to work on these for about 15 minutes
3. Whenever they are finished, they will bring them up to me and help glue the arms down.

Assessment:

Watch students to see if they are keeping up with the idea of a biopoem.
Watch to see if students follow directions.
 


How to Write a Biopoem

FORMAT

LINE 1: first name
LINE 2: 2 adjectives describing yourself
LINE 3: "Sibling of …(brother or sister)"
LINE 4: "Lover of… (name 2 things)"
LINE 5: "Who fears … (name 2 things)"
LINE 6: "Who would like to see … (name 2 things)"
LINE 7: "Resident of…" (the city you live in)
LINE 8: last name

EXAMPLE

Sally
Hungry, itchy
Sibling of Jake and Karen
Lover of spiders and purses
Who fears snakes and thunder
Who would like to see a tornado and a tiger
Resident of Pittsburgh
Miller
 

Like other forms of poetry, Biopoems can be modified. For example, you might want to have your writers list three or four items for each line, or you might want to add extra categories.