AutoBiograph

Subject(s):
• Language Arts/Writing (composition)
Duration: One month, or one semester. Teacher choice.
Description: 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 . . . "
Goals: Encourage writing and expression on "real" topics of interest; Hone editing, grammar, and writing skills.
Objectives: Students will be able to write vivid descriptions of events/places/people of importance. Students will be able to edit their own/others' work.
Materials:
• paper
• pencils, etc and bookbinding materials - can be as simple as card stock and prongs

Procedure: Students brainstorm 78 possible topics (3 for each letter of the alphabet) which could be developed into 2 paragraph informal "essays." Writing takes place over several weeks - prevents boredom and allows students time to edit and rethink ideas. When rough copies have been edited by students or teacher (only if it's a personal subject they don't want to share) then final copies are made. When all 26 pages are complete, books are bound - either by student choice of binding materials, or by teacher-provided materials. I gather card stock and have students decorate/illustrate. Then we three hole punch, put in some brass prongs, and it's done!
Assessment: Graded primarily on completeness. Drafts have been spot-checked, so no major grammatical errors are an issue. I never mark on the books - I think they make nice keepsakes and I don't want to mar them. I also require that parents or guardians read them, and write a note to the student after. It has been a fabulous project, and has had great results, both with gifted students and low-level classes.

Author: Nancy Haugen, Carminati, AZ
Endorsed by: These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have attended the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met at the Workshops.
• Language Arts/Writing (composition)
Overview: This activity was developed for teachers participating in the Wisconsin Writing Project. It works for me when used with K-12 teachers; they have found it useful with most students at most grade levels. It's especially fun in the beginning of the year when we all need to get to know each other.
Purpose: It this lesson, the writer analyzes self to provide an introduction to the rest of the class.
Objectives: To analyze, to inform, to introduce.
Resources/Materials: paper and pencil (Teacher needs to write his/her autobiopoem in advance of the class.)
Activities and Procedures: Students write an eleven line autobiopoem after hearing/seeing the teacher's model.
Tying It All Together: Set up an example of an autobiopoem.
Line 1: Your first name Nancy
Line 2: Four descriptive traits Honest, caring, curious, energetic
Line 3: Sibling of... Sister of Kenneth
Line 4: Lover of (people, ideas) Laughter, learning, challenge
Line 5: Who feels... Joy when traveling
Line 6: Who needs... Sunshine every day
Line 7: Who gives... Friendship, encouragement, and smiles
Line 8: Who fears... Pain, hunger, and the end of summer
Line 9: Who would like to see... Contentment for all living things
Line 10: Resident of (your city) Phoenix
Line 11: Your last name Haugen