Biographies of the Poets

Step One:

Explore, Skim, Scan – Take time to gain some general knowledge of a couple of poets and their work before deciding on one.

Access the database Biography in Context by visiting ICONN.org, the Connecticut Digital Library. Click on Search Individual Resources – Middle School (on the left) and click on Biography in Context (on the right). In the search box on the upper right click on Occupation to select and type in poet.

Share and discuss your thoughts on particular poets with your partner. Keep in mind the essential question

How are the works of a poet a reflection of his or her life's experiences?

as you read through information about different poets. Let Ms. S. know your choice and record it on the table. Print out two biographies of the poet of your choice. Add these to your folder.

Find a rich source of poems by your author. This can be in the form of a collection in print at your public library or a website that offers many works by the poet such as this. Develop a familiarity with the works of your poet. You may print out a few key poems to place in your folder.

This counts for 10 percent of your grade in Ms. Warren’s class.Review the rubric for this project so you will know what is expected. There is a copy in your folder.

Due March 20: Choice of poet and partner, two biographies, a source for poems (evidenced by two poems printed out and placed in your folder). If time, begin highlighting (see step 2).

Step Two:

Highlight your articles paying close attention to details that may link some way to your poet's work.

Use the Cornell Notes format to take notes. There is one in your folder. You can adapt notebook paper to fit the format for more sheets or ask Ms. S. for more copies.

Some information on Corney notes: One the left side goes the subtopics (ex. education, childhood, challenges, etc.). Directly across on the left goes the details that you find in your research or observations you make from the poetry. YOU MUST RECORD YOUR SOURCE at the top of the page. Use a separate Cornell notes form for each source.

Here are some questions to guide your research:

Childhood:

When did this person live? Are there interesting facts about this person’s birth?

Where did this person grow up? What were the conditions like where he/she lived?

Where did he/she attend school? List any important information related to this person’s educational experience.

At what age did this person first show a talent or interest for their future career? Describe any events that relate to this early talent.

What role did family play in helping this person reach their potential? List any interesting facts about the person and his/her family (parents, siblings, family tree).

Adulthood:

Did this person have any handicaps to overcome? Did he/she have obstacles to overcome?

What special abilities or talents did this person possess?

What contributions did this person make to society?

How did this person achieve success? List examples displaying talent, hard work, luck, etc.

When did this person die? Any unusual facts that you need to include?

Summarizing information:

How would the world be different if this person had not achieved the accomplishments that made him/her famous?

Why will this person be remembered?

Name one way you would like to be like this person.

Major Accomplishments:

List 10 major accomplishments or works for which this person is known. You may list ten of his/her most famous works or list the various steps to success. Record dates of these accomplishments. If you  list poems, make a few notes as to themes and possible connections with life experiences.

Honors

Has this person received special medals or awards? If so, please list and explain why the award or medal was presented to this person.

Have any memorials, monuments, streets, buildings, etc. been named for this person? List locations of each.

Name any other honors this person received after he/she became famous.

Due April 3: Highlighted biographies (at least two), Cornell Notes pages from the biographies.

PowerPoint from March 27

Step Three:

Begin to make connections between your poet's life and his/her works. Do this by reading through his/her poetry with your biographical notes in hand and noting connections.

Due April 10: Poetry Connections Graphic organizer with connections and evidence. See example on organizer.

Step Four:

Now it is time to write a first draft. You may want to watch a video on writing a five paragraph essay. Here is another suggested format. The Internet if FULL of helpful sites and videos about writing five paragraph essays. Review until you are comfortable enough to try it.