LEARNING INTENTIONS: AUTOBIOGRAPHY
We are learning:
- about the origins of certain words
- to identify features of a biography and autobiography
- to recount information
- to draft and proofread written work
- to critically evaluate the presentations of others
- to present information effectively orally
Why:
- to correctly structure recounts and biographies
- to better understand word origins
- to improve drafting and proofreading skills, which is useful for improving all written pieces of work
- to improve oral presentation skills
ACTIVITIES
Work through all of the following activities, to build your understanding of autobiography.
Activity One
The word BIOGRAPHY has an interesting history:
You have 10 minutes to answer the following questions – you may choose to research some of the answers. Note down your answers in your book – we will be having a class discussion based on what you have learned.
1. What does the term ‘biography’ mean?
2. What language does the term ‘biography’ originate from?
3. Find out what each of the stem words (‘bios’ and ‘graphos’) mean.
4. What is the difference between a biography and an autobiography?
5. List as many words as you can that have the prefix ‘auto’. eg: autograph.
Activity Two
We all have many different aspects to our personalities – these are the things that make us all unique individuals. Think about what words you would use to describe yourself. What things do you like / dislike? What type of person are you? What is important to you? What are your favourite memories / experiences?
Once you have written down your first name and A MINIMUM of 20 words or sentences (use the prompt questions above if you are stuck for ideas), click on the link below to visit the Wordle site. Use Wordle to create your own individual word cloud that is as unique as you are!
Activity Three: Assessment Task 1
Write a Letter of Introduction, introducing yourself to your teacher. See your teacher for a copy of the planning sheet and assessment rubric.
Activity Four : Assessment Task 2
Prepare an oral presentation to present to the class. Your presentation should run for a minimum of two minutes, and should introduce one of your classmates.
See your teacher for planning sheets and the assessment rubric. You may choose to use support material such as photos, a Powerpoint or Prezi presentation or bringing in an object to enhance your presentation.
Watch the videos below to help you prepare for your oral presentation.
Note: As part of this activity you will be required to complete a peer assessment on another student.
Extension Activity
Create your own digital autobiography using images, photos, graphics, audio effects, music and voiceover. You could use part or all of your written biography, or your speech, as the material for your digital story. Alternately, you may choose to focus on a different event in your life, a place you know or a person / people who are important to you.
Watch the video clip though the link below to learn about the process one man worked through to create his own personal digital story as part of a digital storytelling project group. His script was approximately 300 words in length – but there is no reason yours can’t be either longer or shorter.
