“Who am I?” is a question on the minds of many adolescents. This activity helps students clarify important elements of their identities by writing a poem about themselves or about a historical or literary figure. Bio-poems help students get beyond the aspects of identity that are often more obvious and familiar (such as ethnicity, gender, and age) by asking them to focus on factors that shape identity, such as experiences, relationships, hopes, and interests. By providing a structure for students to think more critically about an individual’s traits, experiences, and character, bio-poems are a way for students to demonstrate what they know about historical or literary figures. Having students share their bio-poems is a great way to build peer relationships and foster a cohesive classroom community.
Recognize personal qualities and external supports.
Alignment of the Resource to this Standard
IOER Community Rating: Strong
(1 Rating)
Demonstrate skills related to achieving personal and academic goals.
Alignment of the Resource to this Standard
IOER Community Rating: Strong
(1 Rating)
Evaluate how social norms and the expectations of authority influence personal decisions and actions.
Alignment of the Resource to this Standard
IOER Community Rating: Poor
(1 Rating)
Aligns to
(Major alignment)
Perspectives
Alignment of the Resource to this Standard
IOER Community Rating: Strong
(1 Rating)
Analyze the concept and pursuit of the American Dream.
Alignment of the Resource to this Standard
IOER Community Rating: Poor
(1 Rating)
Identify the role of individuals, groups, and institutions in people’s struggle for safety, freedom, equality and justice.
Alignment of the Resource to this Standard
IOER Community Rating: Strong
(1 Rating)
Analyze key historical events and contributions of individuals through a variety of perspectives, including those of historically underrepresented groups.
Alignment of the Resource to this Standard
IOER Community Rating: Strong
(1 Rating)