Milestones : Writing a Biography

Lesson Plan

I. Background Information

• Title: Milestones and memories "writing a biography"
• Subject: English
• Grade(s): eight
• Group size: 30 students

• II. Description

• Introduction:

In this lesson, students are going to discuss life milestones . They will learn what is a biography , what are the  information included in a biography and how to write a biography. Students will watch videos and collect information. This way they will use their creative thinking  and research skills .

Students will able to :

• Learn new vocabulary (birth, marriage, death, born, age, life, accomplishments, family )
• Learn what is a biography and what is used for.
• Search for information using  internet.
• Write a biography about a famous person of their choice.

• Explain how the lesson plan will promote critical thinking and creativity. 

1.  Students will search for information on the internet

2.    They will be able to decide which websites to use.

3.    Students will follow the directions of the lesson plan and apply the instructions

4.    Students will work in small groups to talk about the person they chose.

• Explain how this lesson plan encourages students to use digital tools and resources to research, explore real world issues and to collaborate.

Expand student's thinking and motivate them to research about famous people in the world.

Encourage students to look at others accomplishments in life and what made them famous and special

Motivate student's to think about their own accomplishments in life and how  they want their life to be in the future.

• How long will the lesson take to implement:

50 minutes

III. Materials

• What technology tools are required for the lesson? 

 Students will use the internet , they will watch videos and images

IV. Procedures

1. Explain the idea of the lesson and what are they going to learn
2. Introduce the new vocabulary, so they focus on hearing them in the video
3. Watch the video: Tips for writing a biography
4. Write what information included in a biography
5. Provide students with a table with the main information needed to write a biography (birth – name – school – university – first job – last job – accomplishments – marriage – children – death )
6. Show students a biography about "Diana Spencer" and ask them to complete the previous table about her
7. Encourage students to talk about "Diana Spencer" in their group and share information they heard  
8. Invite students to talk about "Diana Spencer" in class to check their information
9. Encourage students to write their ideas and emphasize what tense should they use while writing.
10. Encourage students to choose a famous person and write his biography  using the same table
11. Allow students to share their writing with their groups , then with the class.
12. Ask students to write a biography about themselves.  

V. Assessment

Students will be assessed during the class while they are speaking and writing the biography .

The following rubric will be used to assess student's writing

Biography:_________________________________

Rubric continues below...

Criteria	Pts Possible	Pts Earned	Comments
Birth Date/Birthplace	5
Death Date/ Place of Death	5
Early Influences (Must include 3 events that influenced the individual.)	15
Education (Must include its role or significance in later life.)	15
Major Accomplishments (Must provide dates if applicable.)	15
Significance (Must explain why this individual is worthy of note in their field of expertise.)	15
Contemporaries (Must include at least three individuals along with their occupations/roles.)	15
Grammar and Spelling (Each error results in one point off.)	10
Neatness	5

Points Earned: ______________/100 Points