An Autobiography: Writing About Self

By: Brittany DonaldsonTaylor PattersonKimbyatta FarleyAmesha Martin

“I see but one rule: to be clear…” Stendhal

What is the purpose of autobiography?

OTo explain meaning and importance of one’s life

What is an autobiography?

Othe story of one’s life as written by self

Ogive details of key events from an individual’s life

What does an autobiography include?

O NameO Where you are from/where you liveO Description of yourselfO Family backgroundO Favorite activitiesO Hobbies/special interestO Facts about your pastO Accomplishments

Autobiography:A Chapter of Your Life

To help you get ideas you may use brainstorming questions and create a web or list.

Example: pay close attention to the autobiography of Mary McLeod Bethune that we read about last week. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1dI6jZkYTI&feature=related

When writing your autobiography please remember, an autobiography is…

A Public Experience… Choose a topic you are

comfortable sharingWrite how you want others to

see you Do not write private informationThink about how you want to

portray yourself

A Writer’s Reveal… Remember, each thing you write

reveals something else about you—to yourself and to your readers.

After writing, always ask yourself: What have I learned about myself in writing this piece and going through this process?

A Fine Focus…The best autobiographies will focus on a single event or individual.

You will both narrate your story and use specific details to engage your reader.

Engage: Make a vivid impression of

yourself

Revisit your past: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds,

and other sensations of memory. Meaning of Experience:

Understand and state the meaning of your

experience, think deeply about the significance to

you and the outside world and state it.

Text Models: Look at the model of the graphic organizer used for Mary McLeod Bethune. Some of the key points from the video clip were used as well.

Let’s Practice!O Works for the

Department of Early Childhood & Special Education at Valdosta State University

O Experience with teaching undergraduates and graduates: 30 years

O Received her degrees from the University of Georgia

O Has two children

Who Am I?

Autobiography Graphic Organizer Grade Three Writing Project

NAME: ___________________________________

HOMEROOM TEACHER: ___________________________________

Paragraph One: Introduction

your name age where you live where you were born

description of yourself Paragraph Two: Family Information

Family Names:

How your family is important to you: Paragraph Three: Favorite Activities

Activity List:

Paragraph Four: Hobbies or Special Interests special interests:

Paragraph Five: Conclusion (Summarizing)

hobbies:

facts about yourself:

What would you like to do in your future?

Now it’s your turn!

Research Article Information

ReferencesO Redford, C. (1997, June 5). Writing an

Autobiography. Utah Education Network. Retrieved February 1, 2012, from http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=1115

O Edwards, D. (2009) Tracing Literacy Journeys: the Use of the Literacy Autobiography in Preservice Teacher Education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 34. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ922765.pdf