Biography Writer's Workshop

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• Learn more about biographies, language arts, and writing.

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Coauthors of more than fifty books, Patricia and Frederick McKissack write for children “to introduce them to African and African-American history and historical figures and to get them to internalize the information not just academically, but also emotionally. We want them to feel the tremendous amount of hurt and sadness that racism and discrimination cause all people, regardless of race.”This Scholastic-sponsored instructional activity takes students through the process of writing a biographical sketch. First, the authors model a draft and final version of a biographical sketch of Frederick Douglass, focusing upon one important and telling story in Douglass’s life. Then, there are step-by-step ideas for brainstorming your own biographical writing, as well as asking and answering important questions. Finally, students have the opportunity to publish their biographical sketch by submitting it using an online form. A library of student-created biographical sketches, organized by student age, is available on the site. Be sure to visit the Teacher’s Guide for rubrics, standards alignment and extension activities.