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Bio-Poem
Lesson 2:
From Unit Defining Philanthropy
Purpose:
The lessons that comprise this unit were designed to give students an opportunity to draw from their prior knowledge as well as new experiences to develop a deeper understanding of the concept of philanthropy. Student writing skills are also heavily emphasized in this unit. It is also designed to develop a personal definition for the term philanthropy that is based on prior knowledge as well as facts learned in this unit.
Duration:
One Fifty-Minute Class Period
Objectives:
The learner will:
- write a bio-poem.
- will identify the characteristics of a philanthropist.
Materials:
- Poem template, one large size for classroom display, individual copies for each student for the homework assignment
- Bio-Poem Note Cards (Attachment Two), enlarged for classroom use
- philanthropy poem
- masking tape
Instructional Procedure(s):
- Anticipatory Set:
Ask the students if they know the meaning of the word philanthropist. (If needed, help the students define philanthropist as someone who gives time, talent and/or treasure for the common good, and/or private volunteery action for the common good). Read the attached bio-poem about a philanthropist. Now ask the class if they think of themselves as philanthropist. For those who are still unsure, tell them that if they have ever given money in church for the poor or volunteered to rake an elderly neighbor's yard then they, too, are philanthropists.
- State that most philanthropists are not rich; however, the contributions of the rich are often the most written about.
- Allow students five minutes to brainstorm (students say or write the first things that pop into their minds) a list of famous philanthropists. Display the poem template (see Attachment One).
- Tell the class that they will write a bio-poem about a famous philanthropist.
- Remind the class that a bio-poem's purpose is to describe a person. When writing a bio-poem, you must select precise language to fit the form.
- Display the Bio Poem Note Cards (Attachment Two). Call on students to complete each line of the poem by selecting a card. (The note cards are marked to indicate the line of the poem in which it belongs.) Select a student to read the finished poem aloud.
- Read a biographical sketch about the philanthropist to the class to show how their bio-poem identifies the philanthropist.
Assessment:
100% completion of poem
School/Home Connection:
For homework, have students research one philanthropist from the list generated in this lesson. Write a bio-poem about the philanthropist.
Bibliographical References:
- Sebranek, P., V. Meyer, and D. Kemper. Writers Inc.: A Student Handbook for WRITING & LEARNING. Boston, MA: D.C. Heath and Company, 1996.
- ---. "Turner Hopes 'Joy of Giving is Contagious,'" CNN Interactive, 19 Sept. 1997.
Lesson Developed and Piloted by:
Valerie BelayDetroit Public Schools
Murray-Wright High School
Detroit, MI 48208
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Philanthropist
By Valerie BelayPhilanthropist
Helper, giver, server, volunteer
Brother of humanity
Lover of the poor, the homeless, and the sick
Who feels compelled, compassionate, and driven
Who needs no thanks, flowers, or tax credits
Who fears others losses, hunger pangs, and pain
Who gives time, money, and service
Who would like to see an end to poverty, sickness, and undereducated children
Resident of my community
You
Poem Template
Line 1: First name
Line 2:List four words that describe you
Line 3: Relative of
Line 4: Lover of , , and
Line 5: Who feels , , and
Line 6: Who needs , , and
Line 7: Who fears , , and
Line 8: Who gives , , and
Line 9: Who would like to see , , and
Line 10: Resident of
Line 11: Last name
Bio-Poem Line 1 Ted
Bio-Poem Line 2 Visionary
Bio-Poem Line 2 Philanthropist
Bio-Poem Line 2 Media Mogul
Bio-Poem Line 2 Prince of the Global Village
Bio-Poem Line 3 Jane Fonda
Bio-Poem Line 4 CNN
Bio-Poem Line 4 The environment
Bio-Poem Line 4 Ebenezer Scrooge
Bio-Poem Line 5 That he is the right man
Bio-Poem Line 5 In the right place
Bio-Poem Line 5 At the right time
Bio-Poem Line 6 Other billionaires to give more
Bio-Poem Line 6 No extra tax deduction
Bio-Poem Line 6 The Star Spangled Banner to be replaced
Bio-Poem Line 7 ". . . that life on Earth is in danger on several environmental fronts."
Bio-Poem Line 7 " . . .that a lot of rich people think just because they are rich they are better off than other people."
Bio-Poem Line 7 ". . . that the United States has got some of the dumbest people in the world." * in reference to TV viewers
Bio-Poem Line 8 Billions to United Nations causes
Bio-Poem Line 8 The Citadel
Bio-Poem Line 8 Environmental programs
Bio-Poem Line 9 The joy of giving become contagious
Bio-Poem Line 9 The Atlanta Hawks win the NBA Championship
Bio-Poem Line 9 More dinosaurs fossils found on his Montana ranch
Bio-Poem Line 10 Georgia
Bio-Poem Line 11 Turner
Unit Contents:
Overview:Defining Philanthropy Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Philanthro What?
- 2.
- Bio-Poem
- 3.
- Philanthropic Prescriptions
- 4.
- Essay of Definition - Part I
- 5.
- Essay of Definition - Part II
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