Starting around January we will start working on our Autobiographies. This is a very extensive project that takes a lot of work. Each child will create one chapter at a time until all twenty-four(!!!!) chapters are complete! We kick off this project by Reading a chapter from Roald Dahl's "Boy". He is a colorful writer whose chapters help model creative, descriptive writing. Occasionally throughout the project various chapters will be read to help demonstrate the various techniques he uses to grab a reader and keep them hooked (and that he does!).
Listed below are the chapter topics for your book. Each chapter must be at least 3/4 of a page and no longer than a page. Every Monday and Wednesday you will be assigned a chapter to write for your book. I will check that the chapter is complete on the following day. Please try to 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 process of gluing, cutting and pasting our final drafts into our hard cover book. This is a treasure you will have for a lifetime. Please be careful with it and do your best work.
Grading will be based on presentation of book, writing, timeliness of assignments and creativity. A rubric for the writing portion will be given at the start of the project. Good Luck.
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.
Include your name, address, age, physical description, things you like/dislike about yourself.
Chapter 2 - My Family.
Name each member of your family and tell something about each one of them.
Chapter 3 - Happy Birthday!
Give the date and tell about what this date means to you. Tell about your best birthday so far.
Chapter 4 - My Favorite Things.
Tell about things that make you happy, excited etc.
Chapter 5 - A Great Place.
Name or describe a place that is special to you. Tell about why it is such a great place.
Chapter 6 -Happy Holiday.
What is your favorite holiday? Why? Describe what you do on that special day.
Chapter 7 - A Day Off.
What is special about a day off school? Why? Be descriptive
Chapter 8 - Heart breakers.
Tell abut things that make you sad/ get you down/ a terrible experience etc.
Chapter 9 - Way Back When.
Tell something about when you were young. Ask your parents for some ideas.
Chapter 10 -Your Greatest Fan
Write a letter to your favorite athlete, movie/TV star, rock star, author, a person in government etc. Ask questions or comment on something in their lives or achievements that interest you
Chapter 11 - A Great Moment or I Wish
Tell about something in your life that you will never forget OR tell about your special wish.
Chapter 12 - A Special Person.
Write a letter to someone who means a lot to you. Tell them why he/she is important in your life.
Chapter 13 - My Pet/ Treasure.
Write a poem or short essay about your pet, stuffed animal or special treasure.
Chapter 14 - The Best Book I Ever Read.
Name the book and tell why you think it was the best book.
Chapter 15 - Community Service.
How could you and other children improve the community where you live? How can you make it an even better place to live?
Chapter 16 - Making Changes.
Write a persuasive letter to parent/ teacher about something you would like to see changed.
Chapter 17 - My Favorite Poem
Type out your favorite poem. Explain why it's your favorite. What it means to you and how it makes you feel.
Chapter 18 - Changing Places.
If you could change places with anyone in your family, who would you choose to be? What is the first thing you would do as that person?
Chapter 19 - Wedding Bells.
Do you think you would like to get married some day? Why or Why not? If yes, would you like to have children? What kind of parent would you be?
Chapter 20 - Words to live by.
What is your favorite proverb or quote and why? How does it help the way you live?
Chapter 21 - Fifth Grade.
Write an essay about a fond memory or memories you have about fifth grade.
Chapter 22 - 2010.
Write a poem about yourself, and where you will be in the year 2010.
Chapter 23 - Silhouette.
Write a poem following the guideline I give you and glue it into a silhouette of your face.
Chapter 24 - Optional - Include a list of your most favorite things in 2002. ( i.e. favorite saying, movie, book sports hero/ heroine, song,
Your autobiography should look like a book when complete. Grading will be based on presentation of book, writing, timeliness of assignments and creativity. A rubric for the writing portion will be given at the start of the project. Pictures and drawings add a nice touch. Handwriting and neatness count. I will be looking for organizational structure ( completing each of the above requirements), complete sentences, varied sentences, proper grammar, (NO "me an my brother") correct spelling, capitalization and punctuation. Each chapter should be both enjoyable to look at and read.
YOU ARE THE AUTHOR! ENJOY WRITING THIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY!