A “Biopoem” can be used to help students to focus on the essential characteristics of something – for example, a fictional or literary character. They are a good way of rounding off or revising a topic.
Method
Line 1: First Name
Line 2: Four descriptive traits
Line 3: Sibling of…(or parent of / child of)
Line 4: Cares deeply about…
Line 4: Feels…
Line 5: Fears…
Line 6: Needs…
Line 7: Gives…
Line 8: Longs to see…
Line 9: Resident of…
Line 10: Last Name
Sample
Abe
Strong, brooding, witty, compassionate
Husband of Mary Todd
Cares deeply about saving the Union
Feels committed to ending slavery
Needs the nation’s understanding
Gives freely of himself
Fears war
Long to see North and South reunited
Resident of the ages
Lincoln
Taking it further
The format can be adapted. Discuss with the class what alternative openings could be used and then decide upon a common format before beginning the task. For example, here are some additional stems:
Understands that…
Enemy of…
Pretends to…
Whose lasting legacy is…
Hero to…
The best poems could be illustrated, read out in class or recorded, and used for display purposes.