Chapter 10: BiographyBiographies give a glimpse into other lives, places and times through a combination of accurate information and fine writing that appeals to children in an enjoyable and realistic context. Children are able to learn with intimate portrayals of historical and modern figures in a more memorable way. Authentic biographies are well-documented, carefully researched accounts of a person's life. Fictionalized biographies are grounded in thorough research, but events are dramatized and the subject is personalized with invented dialogue and unspoken thought. Children read for the plot, so in order to meet learner's needs, biographies should read as a story with continuity (not just facts and dates). A broad subject range is available that is worldwide and not only benevolent figures, presenting an objective recognition of point of view for misdeeds that presents a more accurate worldview. Also, biographies on popular culture celebrities and sports stars are popularized by the media. Biographies need to boast accuracy, proven by primary sources. Insight into the character of the subject and accuracy of historical detail is furthered by illustrations that authentically represent the time, place and setting. The author's language, or style, must make the subject of the biography seem alive and real. Research and quotes should be integrated naturally into the presentation. Typically, the narrator is from a third person point of view. However, a more first hand perspective gives the biography more immediacy and impact. Characterization of biographies should be realistic, with humans' virtues as well as shortcomings displayed (not given pseudo-sainthood). Finally, biography themes can be closely examined by comparing several biographies of the same person. Controversial biographies should be confronted with an open discussion of positive and negative life stories, emphasize the capacity to grow and change, and cultivate democratic ideals. I am particularly fond of the idea of graphic novels for biographies, as I could see the comic-like style engaging students and allowing for lively action. References Kiefer, B., & Tyson, C. (2014). Biography. InCharlotte Huck's children's literature: A brief guide (Second ed., pp. 200-227). New York, New York: McGraw-Hill. Diverse Portrayals Presentations Reflection My peers' Diverse Portrayals presentations were fantastic! Their research and effort was evident. The Eastern Asia presentation led me to consider purchasing copies of The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi and Sadako by Eleanor Coerr. The first novel would be great to introduce multiculturalism in the beginning of the school year while the students are learning eachothers' names. The latter could be integrated into a social studies assignment focusing on culture, and creating origami would allow for art skills in response to reading. The arts are very important to me and contributed to my personal love for learning and school. The Christian literature group provided two books that could work for character education and comfort: You are Special by Max Lucado and It Will Be Okay by Lysa Terkeurst. Latino literature introduced an award winning book entitled My Diary from Here to There by Amanda Perez that will be amazing to relate to English Language Learners in the classroom. From my peers' African American literature presentation, I learned about two amazing books by Jacqueline Woodson: Show Way and The Other Side that are ideal to incorporate in social studies lessons. One of my peers led a particularly outstanding presentation of literature that relates to Autism. I was previously naive in regards to the Autistic spectrum, but after her presentation I feel competent of involving autistic students that will be immersed in my classroom. David's World by Dogmar Muller and How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski are books I definitely intend to have in my collection. My peers did a fantastic job portraying various groups and I am grateful to of been present for their projects.
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