Name ________________________

Autobiography Unit auto means done by oneselfbio means lifegraph means write

So, autobiography means writing one’s own life story.

Your autobiography will be an extensive project that takes a lot of work. You will create one chapter at a time. We will kick off the unit reading a chapter from Roald Dahl’s “Boy”! Dahl is a colorful writer whose chapters help model creative, descriptive writing. Throughout the project various chapters will be read to help demonstrate the various techniques Dahl uses to grab a reader and keep them hooked.

Make sure to think about the six traits of writing while you compose your paragraphs. Try to catch the attention of your audience with a strong first chapter. Set the stage for your reader. Prepare them for the journey through your life.

Below are the chapter topics for your book. Each chapter must be more than half the page, but no longer than a page. You will be assigned chapters throughout the project. We will type each chapter as it makes it easier for the editing process. It will also eliminate any “lost” papers. After a good number of chapters have been created, we will begin the production of putting together your work into a book format. This is your life!! Make it sound exciting to live your life. Please be careful and do your best work.

Your autobiography should look like a book when complete. I will be looking for presentation of book, writing, timeliness of assignments, neatness, and creativity. Pictures and drawings add a nice touch. I will also look for all chapters to be completed well, complete sentences, varied sentences (avoid overusing “I”), proper grammar, (No “me and my brother”), correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Each chapter should be both enjoyable to look at and read. A rubric will be provided.

YOU ARE THE AUTHOR THIS IS YOUR LIFE,

SO MAKE IT SOUND LIKE A GREAT ONE!!Table of Contents-List all chapter titles and page numbers

Dedication-Write a dedication to someone who has had an impact on your life.

Chapter 1-Who Am I?

Write an autobiography poem using the guidelines and example(s) I provide. Go to my website for the template of this poem.

Chapter 2-How Do I Look?

Write a portrait poem using the guidelines and example(s) I provide. Go to my website for the template of this poem.

Chapter 3 –Way Back When

Take a walk down memory lane. Ask your parents for some ideas. What were your favorite books, toys, birthday, sports, games, etc. What made you happy and/or sad? What were some of your pet peeves, comfort objects, fears, etc.

Create a birth certificate about the day you were born. Use my template.

Chapter 4 -Trading Card/100% Poem

Create a trading card for your locker following the template from my website. Write a 100% poem following the guidelines and examples I give you.

Chapter 5-My Family

Name each member of your family, age, and tell something about each one of them. You could include their best qualities, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

Chapter 6–My Favorite Things

Make a top 10 list of your favorite things including some or all of the following: color, pets, food, movie, shows, game, subject, season, sport, hobbies, and/or any of your top 10 favorite things. Use the guidelines and example (s) I provide. Go to my website for the template of the top 10 list.

Chapter 7-Happy Birthday

Tell about your best birthday so far. Guests you invited. Games played. Food served. Cake designed.

Chapter 8-Happy Holiday

What is your favorite holiday? Why? Describe what you do on that special day, traditions, etc.

Chapter 9–Greatest Fan

Write a letter to a favorite athlete, rock star, movie/TV star, author, person in government, etc. Ask questions or comment on their lives or

Design a birthday card for when you turn 21 using Publisher.

achievements that interest you. We will send one letter in the mail and the other will be included in your autobiography.

Chapter 10-A Special Person

Create an award for someone who means a lot to you using Publisher. Tell why he/she is important in your life. Print two awards one for that special person and another for your autobiography.

Chapter 11–My Pet

Make your own recipe card for the best pet. Use the guidelines and example(s) I provide. Go to my website for the template of this poem.

Chapter 12–Changing Places

If you could change places with anyone who would you choose to be? What is the first thing you would do as that person?

Chapter 13–Making Changes

Write a persuasive letter to parent, teacher, or anyone about something you would like to see changed.

Chapter 14–Fifth Grade

Write about a fond memory or memories you have about fifth grade.

Chapter 15–Words to Live By

What are some of your favorite proverbs, quotes, etc. and why? How does it help the way you live?

Chapter 16–Personality Analysis

Write about your personality using tests from your handwriting, color preference, and birth order.

Chapter 17–Free Time

Write up a prescription describing just how much free time you spend on each activity. How do you keep busy? What is your favorite indoor and/or outdoor activity? Go to my website for the template of a prescription pad.

Chapter 18–Dreams and Wishes

If you could have or do anything, what would it be? Two things you would grab if your room caught on fire. Two things you would like to buy on a shopping spree. Two of the best gifts anyone could give you. What would be the menu for the best meal that you could ever imagine?

Chapter 19-Friendships

Interview a friend using the interview sheet provided. Test out your compatibility using s the game provided.

Chapter 20 –Forecast the Future

Construct a crystal ball for the future. Play a math game to determine what the future has in store for you.

Chapter 21 –Help Wanted

Design a business card for your future career using Publisher.

Chapter 22 –Children

Write a text poem to your future child using the guidelines and example(s) I provide. Go to my website for the template of this poem.

Chapter –The End

Write an ending using the guidelines and example (s) I provide. Go to my website for the template to write your own ending.

CHAPTER 1- WHO AM I?Remember to begin each chapter with the appropriate title.

The first chapter should look like the above example.

Each chapter must be more than half the page, but no longer than a page (unless discussed with teacher).

Make the book about your life exciting and well done… better yet UNBELIEVABLE!

Don’t forget about editing, illustrations, borders, and rereading the directions.