Biopoem: Teacher Page
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Dover Thrift Editions, 1990
Purpose:
This activity could be used at any point during reading, however, we will use it with Chapter 15
of The Red Badge of Courage. Using the Biopoem with The Red Badge of Courage will invite
students to synthesize material they have learned about a chosen character (examples include
Henry, Jim, The Sergeant). While students will come to know and understand the character
better , the strategy also invites them to write creatively and provides a structure for helping
students as they write a poem.
Directions:
Teachers will need to give students the format of the bio-poem. This is done by showing students
sample bio-poems, and then giving students an information sheet that informs them of each step
they should take in completing their poem. Students should be allowed 15-20 minutes to work
on their poems.
1. Present the bio-poem by giving examples of it to your students. Then, show students their
assignment sheet and explain that they will be creating a bio-poem for one of the
characters in The Red Badge of Courage.
2. Explain to students that the assignment sheet gives them directions for what should be
included in the bio-poem.
3. Inform students that word choice and accuracy of character traits will be important in
their poems.
4. Allow students be creative, and tell them to use their imaginations as they write.
5. Instruct students that these poems will be collected at the end of the class period.
Biopoem Format:
Line 1: First name
Line 2: Four traits describing the character
Line 3: Relative (brother, sister, daughter, etc.) of ________
Line 4: Lover of ________ (list three things or people)
Line 5: Who feels ________ (three items)
Line 6: Who needs ________ (three items)
Line 7: Who fears ________ (three items)
Line 8: Who gives ________ (three items)
Line 9: Who would like to see ________ (three items)
Line 10: Resident of ________
Line 11: Last name
Assessment:
When grading these poems make sure that the student really understands who the character is,
for example, if they have written incorrect descriptors, or incorrect information. This assignment
will help to determine whether students understand the language and story of the text.
Mortimer, 2004
Biopoem: Sample Poem
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Dover Thrift Editions, 1990
Anna
Determined, Passionate, Thoughtful, Happy
Daughter of Doyle and Kitty Mortimer
Lover of her family, the ocean, and Christmas music
Who feels joy, sadness, and everything in between
Who needs love, music, and family
Who fears snakes, rodents, and heights
Who gives love, empathy, and a listening ear
Who would like to see Europe, Africa, and world peace
Resident of Orem, Utah
Mortimer
Mortimer, 2004
Biopoem: Student Page
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Dover Thrift Editions, 1990
Name ______________________________
Date _______
Period _______
Directions:
Choose a character from The Red Badge of Courage to write a Biopoem about. Be thoughtful in
your word choice and use words that accurately describe the character. Refer to the sample on
the overhead or ask me if you need help. Be creative and use your imagination. The Biopoem is
due at the end of the period. Good luck!
Biopoem Format:
Line 1: First name
Line 2: Four traits describing the character
Line 3: Relative (brother, sister, daughter, etc.) of ________
Line 4: Lover of ________ (list three things or people)
Line 5: Who feels ________ (three items)
Line 6: Who needs ________ (three items)
Line 7: Who fears ________ (three items)
Line 8: Who gives ________ (three items)
Line 9: Who would like to see ________ (three items)
Line 10: Resident of ________
Line 11: Last name
Mortimer, 2004