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Autobiographies and Memoirs: Change That Shapes You

3rd Edition Online Resources

 In this unit, students in grades 5–6 study the concept of change by reading autobiographies of writers and by looking at change in the lives of writers and other artists. As they examine life stories and self-portraits, they study literature and examine works of art from various cultures. In order to gain insight into the development of talent, students are encouraged to explore their own identities as talented learners through discussions, research, oral presentations, and reflective writing. Autobiographical writings from authors including Beverly Cleary, Eloise Greenfield, Isaac Singer, and Lawrence Yep are explored. 1997 Winner of a National Association for Gifted Children Curriculum Division Award for Outstanding Curriculum.

The list below provides links to online resources as a companion to the curriculum unit.  

resources for unit
Lesson 1

Soap Bubbles by Thomas Couture

Artist Statement

Lesson 3

Images of Japanese Paintings of Cherry Blossoms--Smithsonian