Genre Studies: Biography 1st Grade Unit
Lessons
Lesson 1 Historical Period Explain that a biography takes place during a real historical time period.Describe the historical time period of a biography.
Lesson 2 Chronological Order Explain that a biography tells about a person’s life in chronological order.Put events from a biography in chronological order.
Lesson 3 Significant Contribution Explain that biographies are written about people who have made a significant contribution to society.Identify and describe the significant contribution(s) made by a subject of a biography.
-
Using a biography, work with students to complete a Venn diagram comparing a historical era to today.
-
Introduce current biographies that may interest students. Emphasize that biographies can be about people who are alive today.
-
Provide books for students to explore that are set in the same historical era as a previously read biography.
-
Photocopy pictures from a biography that was read aloud and have students put the pictures in the correct chronological order.
-
Create bingo cards with the names and pictures of historical people. Students should cover the name / picture based on the matching contribution read aloud.
-
Students can choose a biography from the library and “prove” that it is a biography by identifying the three main characteristics.
-
Students can write about what life would be like during the same time period as a previously read biography.
-
Students can write or share a biography about a friend or family member, including information about the time period in which that person lived, events that took place in his or her life, and contributions she or he made to others.
-
Create a biographies bulletin board where students identify the historical period and significant contribution of the person.
