This bio poem template for back to school is perfect to build classroom community with this low-prep, high-impact writing activity and free self-portrait video.
The first week of school is a whirlwind. Between learning names, organizing supplies, and practicing routines, there’s a lot happening all at once.
Finding time for a meaningful back-to-school writing activity can be tricky, especially one that helps students open up and start building connections with each other.
That’s why I always kick things off with a bio poem.
Not only does it get students writing from day one, but it also gives me an authentic way to learn about them, beyond favorite colors and pizza toppings.
Best of all? It’s low-prep and high-impact.
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Why Icebreakers Often Miss the Mark
Let’s be real: a lot of icebreaker activities don’t go very far.
You’ve probably tried the classics like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Draw your favorite animal.”
They can be fun, but they often stay surface-level and don’t tell you much about your students. Plus, they tend to feel repetitive year after year.
The truth is, the first few days of school are key for building relationships.
Students want to feel seen, valued, and safe. When we choose thoughtful, creative activities, we show them that their voices matter.
A Simple Back-to-School Writing Activity That Works
That’s where the bio poem template comes in.
A bio poem is a scaffolded poem that students write about themselves. It helps students reflect on who they are, what they enjoy, and what makes them unique.
Even students who get nervous about writing feel successful with this activity because of the built-in support.
The structure makes it easy to get started, while still allowing room for creativity.
Here’s how I use it in my own classroom:
- I model a bio poem about myself on chart paper. (Yes, I always include something like “Loves iced coffee and dancing in my living room.”)
- Students complete their own poems using the template.
- They draw a self-portrait to go with their writing.
- We display them on our bulletin board with the title “Our Bio Poems.”
By the end of the first week, our room is full of color, personality, and connection.
I learn so much about my students, and they start seeing what they have in common with each other.
How to Extend the Activity
Once your students have written and illustrated their bio poems, don’t stop there.
There are a few simple ways to build on the activity and keep the momentum going:
- Gallery Walk: Tape the poems around the classroom and let students walk around to read their classmates’ work.
- Class Book: Staple the poems together and create a class book to keep in your library.
- Mentor Text: Refer back to the poems when you introduce your poetry writing unit later in the year.
It’s also a great informal way to assess writing, creativity, and even handwriting, without calling it a formal assessment.
What Makes This Bio Template Stand Out
The bio poem template pack I use includes more than just a writing prompt. It comes with:
- Multiple versions of the poem template for different levels
- Pre-filled examples and blank templates
- Printable self-portrait frames
- Bulletin board banner and display signs
There are different portrait layout options and several templates that include sentence starters and word banks—perfect for helping reluctant writers get started.
My students love picking their favorite template and using colored pencils or markers to make it their own.
Some even add fun details like speech bubbles or doodles.
How I Make It a Routine
This has become a go-to activity I do every year during the first week of school.
Sometimes we start the poems in class and students finish the self-portraits at home.
I give students time to share their poems with a partner or with the whole class if they’re comfortable.
It’s also easy to adapt. You can have students pick one specific template, or let them choose.
You can do it all in one day, or spread it out over a week.
No matter how you use it, this activity always leads to some of the most genuine student work I see all year.
A Thoughtful Way to Kick Off the Year
If you’re looking for a back to school writing activity that helps your class start strong, this is a great one.
Students get a chance to reflect, express themselves, and learn about one another in a meaningful way.
It works beautifully in 4th and 5th grade classrooms and fits into both ELA and SEL routines.
Ready to give it a try?
👉 Watch the free directed drawing self-portrait video here and use it with the poem template.
📥 Want the complete resource? Grab the Bio Poem Template + Self-Portrait Pack from my shop. It’s everything you need to get started with no prep.
📌 Save this post to your Back to School Pinterest board so you have it handy in August!
Check Out Other Back-to-School Ideas
- Back to School Ideas for 4th Grade Teachers to Kickstart the Year Strong
- 4 Easy Bio Poems Activities for Back to School
- Name Tent Activity For the First Day of School + Free Template
- 5 Fun First Week of School Activities Worth Planning For
- Create a Successful Meet the Teacher Night Scavenger Hunt
- 13 Secrets For Making Beautiful Bulletin Boards
- 8 Fun Ways to Review Classroom Routines and Procedures
