Title:  An Awesome Autobiography

Grade:  4
                           
Subject:  Language Arts


Learner Outcomes:
Students will learn what an autobiography is by reading a sample on-line
Students will read a portion of an on-line electronic edition of an autobiography
Students will write a brief autobiography using Microsoft Word
Students will learn about Booker T. Washington by reading a portion of his autobiography

Duration : 2 -  30 minute sessions

Materials:  
Multi-media computer, printer and printer paper

Technology Tools:
Multi-media computer, printer, Internet access, Microsoft Word

Teacher Notes:    
This unit would be best used during Black History Month but could easily be used at any time during the school year.


Procedures: 

              

• Explain what an autobiography is.
• Explain that Booker T. Washington lived for a time in Malden, West Virginia. 
• Students go on-line and  read the first seven pages of  Up From Slavery  by Booker T. Washington.
• Allow open discussion of what it was like to live as Booker T. Washington did.
• Ask students how Booker T. Washington felt about his childhood.
• Ask students to give specific examples from the text to show why that is true.
• Direct students to  Microsoft Office document that will give directions on writing assignment.
• Students will write a brief autobiography including 4 elements:

1. Description of your family.
2. Description of where you live.
3. Explanation of what you do in your free time.
4. Description of  what  your school is like.

Modifications:
This lesson should be modified to fit the student's IEP.  If  an on-line version is not available any appropriate autobiography would substitute.

Enrichment Activities:
Students may research other famous Black Americans

Assessment:
Students will be assessed based on their understanding of what an autobiography is, and the completion of their autobiography which contains the 4 elements stated above.

State Standards:

Language Arts - 4.1.11, 4.1.14, 4.1.3
Social Studies - 4.4.7, 4.5.6, 4.5.1, 4.5.7,4.5.8
Writing - 4.2.2
Listening - 4.3.1

National Standards -
                       

History -
1. Understands family life now and in the past, and family life in various places long ago

3. Understands the people, events, problems, and ideas that were significant in creating the history of their state
6. Understands the folklore and other cultural contributions from various regions of the United States

Language Arts -
1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process
5. Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
6. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of literary texts

References -  Microsoft Word, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Susan Ratcliffe

J.E. Robins Elementary

                                                                                                                                                    
                       

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