Writing Autobiographies

By Emy Lopez

Students will follow the writing process and learn about the various elements that go into developing a well-thought-out, autobiographical narrative. Encouraging students to take ownership of their stories is the key to getting them to see that they are really the experts when it comes to the genre of autobiographical writing.

OBJECTIVE

Students Will:

Produce a well-written essay that contains a strong plot structure, includes a theme, and speaks to a clear audience.
Demonstrate the ability to produce a clean, well-polished typed document.
Use your states' writing standards to assess students' writing proficiency.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: A Picture Says a Thousand Words

REPRODUCIBLES
Photography Brainstorming (PDF)
Plot Chart (PDF)
Peer Evaluation (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Have the students share their writing with the class. Often there are other opportunities for student publishing. See a sample of a student's essay published in our local paper.

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books for Teaching Autobiographical & Narrative Writing

Scholastic Store

The Scholastic Store

My Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir

Samantha Abeel couldn't tell time, remember her locker combination, or count out change at a checkout counter -- and she was in seventh grade. For a straight-A student like Samantha, problems like these made no sense. She dreaded school, and began having anxiety attacks. In her thirteenth winter, she found the courage to confront her problems -- and was diagnosed with a learning disability. Slowly, Samantha's life began to change again. She discovered that she was stronger than she'd ever thought possible -- and that sometimes, when things look bleakest, hope is closer than you think.

$5.99
books;paperback books;paperbacks | Ages 9-12

My Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir

Ages 9-12 $5.99

Teacher Store

The Teacher Store

Through My Eyes

At age 6 in 1960, Ruby Bridges was the first black student at the all-white William Frantz elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana. In this powerful and inspiring memoir, Ruby conveys the fear and anger that she faced, and ultimately the amazing courage she showed in her quest for equality and civil rights.

Learning Benefits
Sepia-toned photographs bring this historical account to life. Excerpts from newspapers and insights from Ruby's mother offer a

$16.95
Hardcover Book | Grades 2-6

Through My Eyes

Grades 2-6 $16.95

ARTICLE	Books for Teaching Autobiographical & Narrative Writing Teacher created book list.

LESSON PLAN	Portrait of a Friend Students get to know themselves and their classmates by filling in the blanks to create a mini-biography.

ONLINE ACTIVITY	Writing Biographies with Writers Learn how to research and write a biographical sketch! Great writing strategies and warm up exercises to help you get published on our site!...