Poor Richard’s Almanac

Worksheet Description

This worksheet invites students to engage with the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Franklin as found in his “Poor Richard’s Almanac”. The task at hand is to paraphrase four classic aphorisms, translating these brief, yet profound, sayings into modern language while preserving their original meaning. This activity not only allows for a creative exploration of language but also a deeper understanding of the principles behind the sayings. Students are asked to reflect on the relationship between diligence and prosperity, the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, the importance of self-reliance, and the challenges of maintaining confidentiality.

The first aphorism, “Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee,” highlights the importance of dedication to one’s work. Paraphrasing this could help students consider how consistent effort can lead to sustained success. “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,” is a call to appreciate the benefits of good habits on one’s overall wellbeing and success. “God helps them that helps themselves,” encourages initiative and self-help. Lastly, “Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead,” wryly points out the difficulty in keeping shared information private. Through this exercise, students practice rewriting these succinct phrases without losing their impactful economy of words, learning the art of concise expression.