Becoming Muhammad Ali

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Becoming a Hero”

In this activity, through reflection and research, students analyze influences that shape the lives and actions of great figures.

Who are some of the historical figures that Cassius and his friends mention in Becoming Muhammad Ali? As a class, make a list on the board.

Then, choose one figure. Use reputable, scholarly resources to research that person; compile key facts about their life and accomplishments. Then write one poem from their perspective as a child or teen. As you work on your poem, think about how Becoming Muhammad Ali attempted to show how Cassius Clay grew up to become the greatest boxer of all time. Be sure to come up with a title too!

Consider volunteering to read your poems aloud. After the volunteers read their poems, discuss the following questions as a class:

• Is it easier to tell a biography through a poem than by writing a paragraph?
• Did you include any symbols in your poem? If so, did you use figurative language to emphasize that symbol?
• What details of the person’s life did you change or adapt? Did it change the truth of this person’s story?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks to using this medium to teach history?