writing

​ ** How to Write Your Autobiography **

Lesson plans and teaching ideas **  All the World's a Stage: Exploring the Biography as a Basis for a Theatrical Production In this lesson, students will analyze the effective story-telling or literary techniques used by playwright George Stevens, Jr. in his historical play //Thurgood//. They will then write their own scenes depicting a critical event in a significant person's life for performance or publication. Related links are included. Alphabetical Autobiography Students write a 26-page alphabetical autobiography, in the format of an elementary school alphabet book. "A is for Alabama. I was born in Alabama, and..." Awesome Stories Follow links here to biographies and other accounts based on primary sources. These could serve as good models for students doing research. Biographies Definitions and lots of links to biography sites. Scroll down to find ideas for writing biographies, examples of biographies by students, teacher resources, and vocabulary words.
 * Autobiography, Biography, Personal Narrative, and Memoir

Biographies: Creating Timelines of a Life Working in teams, students use multiple sources to research someone's life. This unit is designed for grades 3-5 and can be adapted to other levels. Biography Maker This site helps younger writers through the process of writing a biography. It encourages use of the 6-Trait approach. Biography Writing with Patricia and Frederick McKissack at Scholastic.com Students learn how to research and write a biographical sketch, including research and writing strategies. They can also receive a Certificate of Achievement. Sample biography of Frederick Douglass is available onsite. Building on Biographies from Education World Two online biography resources and 10 ways to teach biography Class Directory Students interview and write about each other. Cultural Icons: Voices of their Nations Students explore the definition of "cultural icon" and study a cultural leader and his or her part of the world in detail. This lesson is written to emphasize geography skills. Cut and Paste Biographies: Creating Collages to Document the Lives and Legacies of Famous African-Americans This lesson is based on a New York Times article about artist Romare Bearden. It is adapable to several age levels and purposes. This lesson emphasizes research. Digital Storyteller Students record the stories of veterans of WWII and Korean Conflicts. The processes are the same as traditional research, but the product is electronic. This site is designed for South Carolina but has potential for use anywhere. Edgar Allan Poe, Ambrose Bierce, and the Unreliable Biographers  Students find, examine, and attempt to explain the causes of inconsistencies in at least four Poe biographies. This standards-based lesson is extensive. Resources are present but less extensive for an investigation into the life of Ambrose Bierce .  A Fitting Introduction Someone the student admires is coming to school. Students write an introduction for that person. This activity is designed for very young writers and includes a printable handout.  From Object to Story: Writing a Historical Narrative Featuring an Artifact from One's Family History Students share observations about the history of familial artifacts. They then research the history and cultural significance of selected objects to prepare their own historical narratives. Includes short reading as prewriting activity.  Homer Hickam Looking for an autobiography for your class to read? Try //October Sky//.  How to Write Your Autobiography