Activity Overview
Researching real people who practice Sikhism or key figures from Sikh texts and mythology help students to gain greater insight into this fascinating religion. It helps students go beyond simply memorizing facts to acquire a more substantial view of Sikhism and its followers. In this activity, students will create a biography poster for one person relating to Sikhism. Teachers can assign students a specific person or they may give students a choice.
These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room as a visual reminder of notable people who practice Sikhism. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person, thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Suggested Sikh Figures in History
- Guru Nanak
- Guru Angad
- Guru Amar Das
- Guru Ram Das
- Guru Arjan
- Guru Hargobind
- Guru Har Rai
- Guru Har Krishna
- Guru Tegh Bahadur
- Guru Gobind Singh
- Mai Bhago
- Mata Khivi
- Mata Sundari
- Sophia Duleep Singh
- Tara Singh
- Sant Fateh Singh
- Kabir
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous Sikh person past or present or a literary character that is related to Sikhism. Create a poster that includes important details and engaging imagery.
Student Instructions:
- Using school resources, conduct research on a character or person of significance past or present that is related to Sikhism. Take notes using a graphic organizer.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth, death (if applicable) and major accomplishments in sequence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, major accomplishments and images to enhance the poster.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Researching real people who practice Sikhism or key figures from Sikh texts and mythology help students to gain greater insight into this fascinating religion. It helps students go beyond simply memorizing facts to acquire a more substantial view of Sikhism and its followers. In this activity, students will create a biography poster for one person relating to Sikhism. Teachers can assign students a specific person or they may give students a choice.
These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room as a visual reminder of notable people who practice Sikhism. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person, thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Suggested Sikh Figures in History
- Guru Nanak
- Guru Angad
- Guru Amar Das
- Guru Ram Das
- Guru Arjan
- Guru Hargobind
- Guru Har Rai
- Guru Har Krishna
- Guru Tegh Bahadur
- Guru Gobind Singh
- Mai Bhago
- Mata Khivi
- Mata Sundari
- Sophia Duleep Singh
- Tara Singh
- Sant Fateh Singh
- Kabir
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous Sikh person past or present or a literary character that is related to Sikhism. Create a poster that includes important details and engaging imagery.
Student Instructions:
- Using school resources, conduct research on a character or person of significance past or present that is related to Sikhism. Take notes using a graphic organizer.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth, death (if applicable) and major accomplishments in sequence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, major accomplishments and images to enhance the poster.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Sikh Biography Poster
Engage students with a Sikhism timeline activity
Timelines help students visualize key events and figures in Sikhism, making abstract history more tangible and memorable.
Choose significant Sikh events and figures for your timeline
Select major milestones and influential individuals (such as Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, or Mai Bhago) to feature on your classroom timeline for maximum relevance.
Assign students to research and summarize each event or figure
Have students work individually or in pairs to gather facts and write concise summaries that highlight why each event or person is important in Sikh history.
Create timeline cards with visuals and key facts
Ask students to design cards or slips that include images and short descriptions, making the timeline visually rich and easy to understand.
Assemble and display the timeline in your classroom
Work together to arrange the cards chronologically on a wall or bulletin board, creating a dynamic reference that supports ongoing lessons about Sikhism.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sikh Biography Poster
What is a Sikh biography poster activity for middle school students?
A Sikh biography poster activity is a classroom assignment where students research a significant person from Sikhism, then create a visual poster featuring their life, achievements, and imagery. This helps students understand Sikh history and culture while developing research and presentation skills.
How do I choose a Sikh figure for a biography poster project?
Teachers can assign a specific Sikh figure or allow students to select from a list of historical and literary figures, such as Guru Nanak or Mai Bhago. Consider choosing someone whose story interests you or who made a notable impact on Sikhism.
What should be included in a Sikh biography poster?
A strong Sikh biography poster should contain the person's name, image, birth/death dates (if applicable), major accomplishments in order, and relevant images or scenes to illustrate their life. Visuals and clear organization make the poster engaging and informative.
Why is it important for students to research real Sikh people or figures?
Researching real Sikh people or figures helps students gain a deeper understanding of Sikhism beyond facts, promoting empathy, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. It connects history to real lives and encourages respect for diversity.
What are some tips for presenting a Sikh biography poster in class?
When presenting, summarize key facts about your figure, explain their contributions, and use your poster visuals to support your points. Speak clearly, make eye contact, and engage classmates by sharing why you chose your figure or what inspired you most.
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