Introducing Biographical Poetry
AUTHOR: Rita Vaughn
SUBJECT: Language Arts
GRADE: Fourth grade and up
ABSTRACT: This short biography poem is a fun way to get to know your students. By just using nine lines in a formula, one is able at a quick glance to learn what the student feels, fears, and loves. In describing themselves, students give insight into their self esteem. I have found it very helpful as a resource during the year.
THE FORMULA: Line 1. Your first name only Line 2. Four adjectives that describe you Line 3. Sibling of... son/daughter of... Line 4. Lover of...(three items) Line 5. Who feels.... (three items) Line 6. Who fears.... (three items) Line 7. Who would like to see...(three items) Line 8. Resident of...(your city, street) Line 9. Your last name only
Here are two example to get you started. The names and places have been changed.
Tom
Wise, handsome, awesome, nice
Youngest of four boys
Lover of TV, sports, young ladies
Who feels good when school gets over for the summer break, during basketball games,
when visiting friends who have moved away
Who fears my brother, guns, dying
Who would like to see me be a famous basketball player when grown up, see mon and dad win
500 million dollars and see our whole family grow up and have a happy life.
Resident of Sharon, OK; 321 Oakwood Lane
Jones
Susan
Friendly, tall, industrious, chatty
Only daughter of Pam and Jim
Lover of softball, volleyball, laughing.
Who feels helpful to other, excited about going back to my hometown, happy when I win a
game.
Who fears lightning, storms, bad grades, and being alone.
Who would like to see more money, less school time, people be kinder.
Resident of Peoria, IL; Hunt Drive
Armstrong
Rita F. Vaughn rjvaugh@ilstu.edu
Metcalf School 7000 Illinois State University Normal, IL 61790-7000 ph 309 438-7621
fax 309 438-2580
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Practice: Illinois State University Laboratory School Journal