Biography Study

In class, the children have heard biographies read aloud throughout the year. Now, the first graders are writing their autobiographies, and the second graders are writing biographies of their classmates.
In addition, the second graders have started a reading and writing project as part of their homework this month. After reading and taking notes on a biography of their choice, the children are required to complete a multigenre research project. According to Camille Allen, author of Multigenre Research Paper, multigenre refers to “composed of many kinds of writing...The best way I can describe a multigenre paper is to say that each piece in the paper utilizes a different genre, reveals one facet of the topic, and makes its own point. The paper is a collage of writing and artistic expression with an overarching theme that engulfs and informs the reader.” As part of the assignment, the children are required to write at least three different forms of writing to convey their understanding of the person studied. Among the choices are a diary entry, an obituary, a postcard, an award certificate, a newspaper article, an "I am" poem or an acrostic poem, or dressing up as the person and conveying their thoughts and feelings. They will present their projects to the class using all they know about presentation skills and creating artistic, effective visual aids.