1. An Autobiography: Writing About Self By: Brittany Donaldson Taylor Patterson Kimbyatta Farley Amesha Martin “I see but one rule: to be clear…” Stendhal

2. What is the purpose of autobiography? O To explain meaning and importance of one’s life

3. What is an autobiography? O the story of one’s life as written by self O give details of key events from an individual’s life

4. What does an autobiography include? O Name O Where you are from/where you live O Description of yourself O Family background O Favorite activities O Hobbies/special interest O Facts about your past O Accomplishments

5. Autobiography: A Chapter of Your Life  To help you get ideas you may use brainstorming questions and create a web or list.  Example: pay close attention to the autobiography of Mary McLeod Bethune that we read about last week. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1dI6jZk YTI&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1dI6jZk YTI&feature=related

6. When writing your autobiography please remember, an autobiography is…

7. A Public Experience…  Choose a topic you are comfortable sharing  Write how you want others to see you  Do not write private information  Think about how you want to portray yourself

8. A Writer’s Reveal…  Remember, each thing you write reveals something else about you— to yourself and to your readers.  After writing, always ask yourself: What have I learned about myself in writing this piece and going through this process?

9. A Fine Focus…  The best autobiographies will focus on a single event or individual.  You will both narrate your story and use specific details to engage your reader.

10. Engage: Make a vivid impression of yourself Revisit your past: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and other sensations of memory. Meaning of Experience: Understand and state the meaning of your experience, think deeply about the significance to you and the outside world and state it.

11. Text Models: Look at the model of the graphic organizer used for Mary McLeod Bethune. Some of the key points from the video clip were used as well.

14. Let’s Practice! O Works for the Department of Early Childhood & Special Education at Valdosta State University O Experience with teaching undergraduates and graduates: 30 years O Received her degrees from the University of Georgia O Has two children Who Am I?

17. Now it’s your turn!

19. Research Article Information

20. References O Redford, C. (1997, June 5). Writing an Autobiography. Utah Education Network. Retrieved February 1, 2012, from http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPi d=1115 http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPi d=1115 O Edwards, D. (2009) Tracing Literacy Journeys: the Use of the Literacy Autobiography in Preservice Teacher Education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 34. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ922765.pdf http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ922765.pdf