Lesson Topic: About the Author
Grade Level: 2nd Grade
Teacher of Lesson: Ms. Caravia
Approximate Time: 45 Minutes
Date Lesson Taught: November 12, 1997

Objectives:

1. Students will be able to further explore themselves and will practice writing biographies (Knowledge).
2. Students will explore the differences between 'biographies' and 'autobiographies' (Knowledge).
3. Students will identify 'biographies' of other authors by looking through other texts (Analysis).

Materials:

1. Photographs of the students
2. Examples of 'About the Author' in other texts
3. Writing Paper and Pencil

Procedures:

1. Have the students find an example of an 'About the Author' article in the of a reading book.
2. Ask the students to glance over it and volunteer information about what kind of information is given in each paragraph. Show how some have pictures and some do not.
3. After the discussion, that this information is a 'biography' of the author.
4. Write 'biography' and 'autobiography' on the board and discuss the differences between the two.
5. Explain to the students that they will be writing their own 'biographies' about themselves. Give them examples of information that they can include in their biographies: birthdate, age, years of 'experience' at school, favorite things to do, hobbies, place of residency, place of birth, plans for the future, etc.
6. Have the students begin writing. Make sure that they start with their names.
7. The students or the teacher can type out their biographies and attach the pictures. Optional: some students might be able to take their biographies home to type.

Evaluation:

1. Do the students seem to understand the difference between biography and autobiography? Do the students write in the first person using "I" or in the third person using their first names?
2. Is the students' interest for writing growing? Do they seem enthused about writing about themselves?
3. How is the students' grammar and spelling? Do they ask how certain words are spelled?

Reflection:

You need to emphasize not using "I", "me, or "my", but rather "he" or "she" and "his" or "her". In addition, those students who are willing and able to can take their biographies home or type it up in the school on a computer.