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Free Editable Biography Templates

Design a free creative biography template. engage your students to discover the power of synthesis and learn about the lives of famous authors..

Customize  Biography templates online . Use Edit.org to customize your biographies for schools, bookstores, and libraries. Create biographies about characters from a novel quickly and in a structured way.

Customize professional Bio examples online

At Edit.org, we have created a collection of editable biography templates that can be used by students, writers, journalists, and anyone who needs to create a biography of famous people, whether they are scientists, athletes, politicians, or singers. They contain predefined sections and fields that you can fill in as easily as in a Word document, including:

• Date and place of birth
• Place of residence
• Friends and acquaintances
• Hobbies and interests
• People of reference
• And many more

Get spectacular designs for your biography! Use it in a school, magazine, or website . You can also use it in your bookstore, library, or cultural center .

Using our template library will save you time since you won't have to start from scratch as you will have a predefined structure. Create didactic activities in your classroom and organize biographical information in a clearer and more coherent way. Just select one of the templates we offer in this article or the final cascade, customize it with your educational proposals, and print it in high resolution.

Our biographies can be adapted to your needs . You can also use them as a page for a memory book or a resume .

How to edit free personal Bio examples on Edit.org?

See how easy it is to edit short or long professional biography examples:

• Click on a design you like from this article or choose the template that best suits your activity from the editor's search engine.
• Customize the template with just a few clicks. Edit it to your liking, including colors, typography, and more.
• Save your work in our free cloud in case you want to make changes later (so you won't have to start from scratch).
• Download your biography in JPG, PNG, or PDF format for high-quality printing or digital sharing.

That's it, you're done!

Why is it a good idea to make a Biography as a school activity?

There are many reasons, but here are the 4 main ones:

• Researching someone's life and gathering information about their accomplishments, personal and professional challenges, as well as their contributions, will help students develop research skills and curiosity .
• Working on a biography improves writing skills, organization of ideas, and structuring information in a clear and coherent manner.
• Promotes critical thinking : students will learn to analyze different aspects of a public figure's life and develop their objective thinking about that person, history, and society in general. It also promotes empathy.
• Learn about the lives of influential people in different fields , such as science, politics, or art, and understand how their contributions have affected the world at large.

In short, doing a biography as a school activity is a great idea! It encourages research and understanding towards different life experiences and perspectives.

Download a Biography template for school students in minutes

Using Edit.org's online editor is easy! You don't need any design skills to create the best biographies for chronological, topical, or historical figures .

In just a few seconds, you can have your perfect template ready to share with your students or to help you write your bestseller and create new characters for your crime novel. Each template's visual result is designed to be professional, clear, and, above all, useful .

Create the best biographies with our free and intuitive editor in an easy, fast, and structured way. Use the best editable biography templates to gather information for your journalistic, literary, or research projects.

Enter our online editor now and download your personalized biography template in seconds!

Customizable Character Bio examples

How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps (The Non-Boring Way!)

Compelling biographies help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding. Discover the steps to write one that captivates your audience!

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Have you ever been captivated by someone’s life story? From the ancient tales of great conquerors to the modern accounts of influential figures, biographies have enchanted readers and viewers for centuries. 

The stories of real people’s lives not only entertain and educate but also provide a unique window into the human experience. In fact, according to research 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8796048/ , human stories like biographies can help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding.

In this article, let’s dive into how to write a compelling biography, from the research phase to delivery.

What Are the Key Elements of a Biography?

The key elements of a well-written biography bring characters to life. They include thorough research, relevant interviews, clear structure, captivating prose, compelling themes, and a balance between objectivity and empathy. 

• Thorough research: Helps create an accurate portrayal of your subject
• Relevant interviews: Insights help provide a deeper understanding of your subject
• Clear structure: Helps you outline your ideas for a compelling narrative
• Captivating prose: Provides descriptive language to paint a picture of your subject
• Compelling themes: Showcases the motivations and desires behind your subject
• A balance between objectivity and empathy: Keeps biases in check and allows your subject to shine for who they are

As you develop your biography, remember that these stories hold an enduring appeal because they offer people an opportunity to explore the depths of the human psyche, unravel extraordinary accomplishments, and discover the vulnerabilities and triumphs of individuals who have left their mark on the world. 

Here are the topics a biography typically covers:

• Early life and background : Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences.
• Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life.
• Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity.
• Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions.
• Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Ready to start crafting your biography? Find greater success with this helpful goal-setting resource!

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Let’s look at the six key elements of a well-written biography more closely and the steps you can follow to develop your own.

How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps Using Key Elements

Choose your presentation format.

Presenting your biography can take on various forms, the most traditional being written form. The basis for this article assumes you’re writing a conventional biography; however, this foundation can also help you create a multimedia presentation or website as well. 

Consider these various formats to present your biography:

• Traditional Written Biographies: This classic approach provides a comprehensive account of a person’s life through the written word. Traditional biographies can be published in print or ebooks , allowing readers to engage deeply with the subject’s story.
• Multimedia Presentations: In the digital age, multimedia presentations offer a dynamic way to present biographies. Incorporate audio, video, photographs, and interactive elements to enhance the audience’s experience.
• Online Platforms: Online platforms, such as blogs or dedicated biography websites, provide accessible avenues for sharing biographies. They allow for easy updates, reader engagement, and the incorporation of multimedia elements. 

Choose your subject and conduct research

To create a vivid and accurate portrayal of a person’s life, conduct extensive research. Dive into archives, read letters, examine diaries, explore photographs, and immerse yourself in the historical and cultural context surrounding your subject. This will help you unearth the small details that breathe life into your biography. 

Whether you’re writing a biography about a historical figure, contemporary icon, or everyday individual, you’ll want to consider the different factors to focus on. Here are some examples of three types of individuals and the kind of research that will be most helpful.

• Historical Figures: When writing about historical figures, immerse yourself in their era. Understand the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped their lives. I recommend visiting your local library and connecting with a research librarian for support. Otherwise, other tools for historical research include Google Scholar. Analyze primary sources and multiple perspectives to present a well-rounded account.
• Contemporary Icons: Biographies of modern icons offer a chance to delve into their ongoing impact. Conduct interviews or gather insights from their close associates to understand their present-day influence. Stay current with the latest developments, and be prepared to update your work as the subject’s story unfolds.
• Everyday Individuals: Biographies need not be reserved for the famous. Every day individuals possess stories that can be just as compelling. Uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, highlighting the struggles, triumphs, and personal growth of individuals who might otherwise remain unsung.
• Yourself! Want to write a biography on yourself? Autobiographies are a great way to explore who you are. Get ready to do some serious self-reflection with the steps below.

Pro Tip: Compile your research digitally using helpful cloud filings systems like Google Drive , OneDrive , or Dropbox . Organize your files by category, including information about their youth, family, achievements, and life lessons. You may also choose to write down research references or collect paper clippings on note cards, categorizing your physical files of research along the way.

Develop compelling themes and motifs 

Identify overarching themes or motifs that emerge from the subject’s life. These could be resilience, ambition, love, or societal change. Weave these elements into the narrative, highlighting their significance and impact on the person’s journey. Here are some examples:

• Overcoming Adversity: These biographies feature perseverance, resilience, and determination. Examples include Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai.
• Pursuit of Excellence: These biographies highlight people who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. Examples include Steve Jobs, Serena Williams, and Michael Jordan.
• Quest for Knowledge: These biographies focus on the curiosity that led to significant contributions to our world. Examples include Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Charles Darwin.
• Personal Transformation: These biographies explore a change in beliefs, values, or priorities. Examples include Malcolm X, Oprah Winfrey, and Maya Angelou.
• Legacy and Impact: These biographies examine a body of work that made a lasting contribution to society. Examples include Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Conduct relevant interviews 

Whenever possible, seek firsthand accounts from those who knew or interacted with the subject. Conduct interviews with family members, friends, colleagues, or experts in the field. Their insights and anecdotes can provide a deeper understanding of the person’s character and experiences.

When conducting interviews for a biography, consider the following tips to ensure a productive and insightful conversation:

• Familiarize yourself with the interviewee’s background and accomplishments.
• Develop a list of well-thought-out questions that cover key aspects of their lives and experiences, including questions about your subject’s youth, family, achievements, and life transitions or struggles.
• Begin the interview by establishing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to put the interviewee at ease.
• Show genuine interest in their story and listen actively to their responses.
• Ask open-ended questions encouraging detailed and reflective responses.
• Avoid yes/no questions and ask for their insights, memories, and personal perspectives.
• Some topics you might consider for your questions include early life, achievements, challenges, motivations, values, relationships, lessons learned, and advice.
• Pay close attention to the interviewee’s answers, body language, and tone of voice.
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify or delve deeper into specific topics.
• Show empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for the interviewee to share personal or sensitive information.
• Remain flexible during the interview, allowing the conversation to flow naturally.
• Be prepared to deviate from your prepared questions if unexpected but relevant topics arise.
• Respect the interviewee’s boundaries and be mindful of any topics they may not wish to discuss.
• Take thorough and organized notes during the interview to capture important details.
• Consider recording the interview (with permission) to ensure accurate quotes and references.
• Ask for permission to follow up with additional questions or for clarification.
• Doing a biography on yourself? Ask yourself deep questions to harvest new stories and anecdotes.

Remember, the goal of the interview is to gather valuable information and personal perspectives that will contribute to the authenticity and depth of your biography. Approach the interview process with sensitivity, respect, and genuine curiosity about the interviewee’s life and experiences.

Develop a clear structure

Outline your biography, ensuring a logical and engaging narrative flow. Consider the chronological order, significant milestones, and turning points in the subject’s life. Organize your gathered information to capture the essence of their journey while maintaining a compelling rhythm throughout. 

A good outline for a biography can vary depending on the specific subject and the desired structure of the narrative. However, here’s a general outline that can serve as a starting point:

A. Introduction

a) Hook or engaging opening to capture the reader’s attention

b) Background information (birthplace, date, family, etc.)

c) A brief overview of the subject’s significance or why they are worth exploring

B. Early Life and Background

a) Childhood and upbringing

b) Influences, such as family, education, or cultural factors

c) Formative experiences or events that shaped the subject’s character or interests

C. Major Achievements and Milestones

a) A chronological exploration of the subject’s notable accomplishments, contributions, or milestones

b) Focus on key moments or achievements that highlight their impact or significance.

c) Provide context and details to paint a vivid picture of their achievements

D. Challenges and Obstacles

a) Discussion of the challenges, setbacks, or adversities the subject encountered

b) How they overcame obstacles or grew through difficult experiences

c) Insights into their resilience, determination, or problem-solving abilities

E. Personal Life and Relationships

a) Exploration of the subject’s relationships, such as family, friends, or romantic partners

b) Insights into their personal joys, struggles, or transformative experiences

c) How their personal life intersected with their professional or public achievements

F. Legacy and Impact

a) Examination of the subject’s lasting influence, contributions, or impact on society

b) Discuss how their work or actions continue to resonate or shape the world today

c) Reflection on their legacy and the lessons we can learn from their life story

G. Conclusion

a) Summarize the key aspects of the subject’s life and their significance

b) Provide a final reflection or insight on their overall journey or impact

c) Leave the reader with a lasting impression or call to action

Pro Tip: Looking for help drafting an outline to get you started? Use free tools like ChatGPT to jumpstart your outline by putting in a prompt request like, “Write an outline for a biography about X, including any relevant details on the subject that should be included.”

Craft captivating prose

Employ descriptive language to transport readers into the subject’s world. Paint vivid portraits of their physical appearance, mannerisms, and surroundings. Use sensory details to evoke emotions and create a strong connection between the reader and the subject. 

Here are some examples:

• “She was a force of nature, with a fierce determination and an unwavering commitment to justice.” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg)
• “His piercing blue eyes seemed to look right through you, and his voice had a commanding presence that demanded attention.” (Winston Churchill)
• “She moved with a grace and elegance that belied her inner strength and resilience.” (Audrey Hepburn)
• “His rugged features and piercing gaze made him a natural leading man, but it was his depth and vulnerability that set him apart.” (Marlon Brando)
• “She had a contagious energy and a magnetic personality that drew people to her like a moth to a flame.” (Princess Diana)
• “His quiet intensity and unwavering dedication to his craft made him one of the greatest artists of his time.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

Action Step: While writing descriptive prose takes some practice, it’s an art you can master with little creative writing skills. To help you write descriptive prose, practice closing your eyes and imagining your subject. 

• What expression is on their face? 
• How are they dressed? 
• What does their body language express? 
• How do they smell? 
• How do they make you feel? 
• How do they make others feel? 
• What’s in their surroundings? 
• What are they doing with their hands? 
• What do you imagine they’re thinking about? 

With questions like these, you’ll start to use descriptive language to bring your subject to life.

Build a balance of objectivity and empathy

Strive for an objective portrayal while infusing empathy and understanding into your writing. Remain aware of biases and preconceived notions, giving your subject the space to shine in their unique light. 

To check yourself, filter your writing and interviewing with these tips:

• Verify Information: Cross-reference information from various sources to ensure accuracy. Use tools like Fact Check Explorer to fact-check claims, dates, and events to avoid errors or inaccuracies that could skew the narrative. 
• Multiple Perspectives: Seek out different viewpoints on the subject. This includes interviewing or reaching out to people with significant interactions or relationships with the subject. Incorporating diverse perspectives can counterbalance biases and provide a broader understanding.
• Empathetic Listening: During interviews or conversations, practice active listening and empathize with the interviewee’s experiences and emotions. This allows you to understand the subject’s perspective and incorporate their insights and feelings into the narrative.
• Contextualize Emotions: When sharing the subject’s emotional experiences or personal struggles, provide sufficient context and background. This helps readers understand the motivations and circumstances behind their actions and allows for empathetic understanding without veering into excessive sentimentality.
• Credible Interpretation: While interpreting the subject’s thoughts, motives, or intentions, be clear about what is factual and what is speculative. Clearly distinguish between evidence-based information and your interpretations to maintain objectivity.
• Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of the subject’s privacy and any requests they may have regarding sensitive or personal information. Respecting their boundaries shows empathy and allows for a respectful portrayal while maintaining the necessary level of objectivity.
• Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize that achieving complete objectivity in a biography is challenging. Biases can inadvertently seep into the narrative. However, by being aware of your biases and consciously presenting a fair and balanced account, you can mitigate their influence.

Respect truth, privacy, and sensitivity

Remember, writing biographies carries ethical responsibilities. It’s important to maintain accuracy through credible research and gain consent while being sensitive to controversial or difficult topics. Here are some considerations:

• Accuracy: Maintain a commitment to truth and accuracy. Verify facts and corroborate information from multiple sources to ensure the reliability of your narrative. Cite your sources and be transparent about any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge.
• Privacy and Consent: Respect the privacy of living individuals mentioned in your biography. Seek consent when sharing personal details or sensitive information. Balance the subject’s right to privacy with the importance of honesty and transparency.
• Sensitivity: Approach sensitive or controversial topics with care and empathy. Consider the potential impact of your words on the subject’s loved ones or affected communities—present differing perspectives without sensationalism or bias.

Writing a Biography FAQs

The length of a biography can vary greatly, depending on the subject and the depth of exploration. Some biographies span a few hundred pages, while others extend to multiple volumes. Focus on capturing the subject’s life’s essence rather than strictly adhering to a predetermined length.

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a biography include the following: Lack of thorough research or reliance on a single source. Inaccurate or misleading information. Excessive personal bias or projection onto the subject. Neglecting to verify facts or failing to cite sources. Poor organization or a disjointed narrative flow. Neglecting to balance objectivity with empathy. Overloading the biography with irrelevant details or digressions. Failing to respect privacy or ethical considerations.

While chronological order is commonly used in biographies, it is not required. Some biographers employ a thematic approach or explore specific periods or events in the subject’s life. Experiment with different structures to find the most engaging way to tell your subject’s story.

The purpose of writing a biography is to capture and share an individual’s life story. Biographies provide insights into a person’s experiences, achievements, and challenges, offering readers inspiration, knowledge, and understanding. They preserve the legacy of individuals, contribute to historical records, and celebrate the diversity of human lives.

When choosing a subject for your biography, consider someone who inspires you, interests you, or has significantly impacted society. It could be a historical figure, a contemporary icon, or even an everyday individual with a remarkable story. Choose a subject with sufficient available information, access to primary sources or interviews, and a narrative that resonates with you and potential readers.

Key elements to include in a biography are: Early life and background: Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences. Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life. Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity. Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions. Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Including personal anecdotes can add depth and humanize the subject of your biography. However, be selective and ensure that the stories are relevant, contribute to understanding the person’s character or experiences, and align with the overall narrative. Balancing personal anecdotes with factual information is critical to maintaining accuracy and credibility.

Conducting research for a biography involves exploring a variety of sources. Start with primary sources such as personal papers, letters, journals, and interviews with the subject or people who knew them. Secondary sources such as books, articles, and academic papers provide additional context and perspectives. Online databases, archives, libraries, and museums are valuable resources for finding relevant information.

Consult a wide range of sources to ensure a comprehensive and accurate biography. Primary sources, such as personal documents, letters, diaries, and interviews, offer firsthand accounts and unique insights. Secondary sources provide broader context and analysis, including books, articles, scholarly works, and historical records. Remember to evaluate the credibility and reliability of your sources critically.

Organize the information in your biography logically and engagingly. Consider using a chronological structure, starting with the subject’s early life and progressing through significant events and milestones. Alternatively, adopt a thematic approach, grouping related information based on themes or significant aspects of their life. Use clear headings, subheadings, and transitions to guide readers through the narrative flow.

Writing Biographies Key Takeaways

In summary, take note of these ideas and tips before you start writing your biography:

• Biographies hold enduring appeal, offering a glimpse into the human experience across time.
• Thorough research, interviews, and captivating prose are essential for crafting compelling biographies.
• Ethical considerations, such as accuracy, privacy, and sensitivity, are crucial when writing about real people’s lives.
• Choose subjects that genuinely inspire and resonate with you.
• Immerse yourself in the subject’s world to understand their motivations and challenges.
• Develop strong research skills and utilize a wide range of sources.
• Craft a compelling narrative that engages readers from the very first page.
• Seek feedback from trusted sources to refine your writing and storytelling abilities.
• Continuously explore new biographies to broaden your understanding of different styles and approaches.
• Embrace the unique voice and perspective you bring to the storytelling process.

Writing a biography book? Check out this helpful article, How to Write a Book: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Writing !

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How to Write a Biography: 6 Tips for Writing Biographical Texts

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Aug 30, 2021 • 4 min read

Biographies are how we learn information about another human being’s life. Whether you want to start writing a biography about a famous person, historical figure, or an influential family member, it’s important to know all the elements that make a biography worth both writing and reading.

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47 Biography Templates & Examples (Personal, Professional)

A biography is simply an account of someone’s life written by another person. A biography can be short in the case of few sentences biography, and it can also be long enough to fill an entire book. The short biographies explain a person’s basic life facts and their importance, but the long biographies would go an extra mile and include more details to make an interesting read. You may find yourself in a situation which requires you to write a biography of a famous person, a close friend or a relative. For this reason, it pays to know how to come up with a biography and the important details that you should include in it. The lives of many people have interesting bits of information, but you ought to know what to capture in the biography and what to leave out.

Table of Contents

• 1 Biography Examples
• 2 What to include in a biography
• 3 How to write a good Biography
• 4 Steps in writing a biography;
• 5 Biography templates
• 6 A professional Biography Template
• 7 Personal Biography Template

Biography Examples

What to include in a biography

The length of a biography depends on the type of information that should be included. The length will determine the nature of information and how extensively it will explain the life of a person. For instance, if you are to write a short paragraph about a person it will mostly capture the important details that identify the person compared to a pages-long biography that may even include the person’s childhood experiences and achievements shaping their life.

For a short biography, maybe a paragraph or two long, the following details should be captured:

• A person’s date and place of birth, at times with the date and place of death as may be applicable
• The person’s major achievements in life
• Their educational background and notable awards
• Work facts of a person and their contribution to that field if any
• A brief account of the significance of an individual in the community

A lengthy biography will bring out more details of a person’s life making it a bit more complex. His/her history will be brought out more clearly especially the details that shaped them to be the persons they turned out to be.

The target audience will also dictate the nature of the information that is to be included. The relation of the audience to an individual will have an impact on how the information is presented and the important details that they could be interested in. In a case where the audience is unknown, more details will have to be included. This mostly happens in the case of a several paged biography. You will have to scrutinize the person in a more detailed way and establish more people relating to the person. Focusing on the uniqueness of an individual can do wonders in this case and this might turn out to be inspirational to many people. The field that the person has majored in or had majored in ought to influence the direction that the biography will take as this will help to bring out the contribution of the individual to their field of study.

How to write a good Biography

A biography is meant to analyze a person’s life and interpret it as well. A good biographer will try to join the dots and explain certain actions and events that a certain figure was involved in. This will help in clearly bringing out the significance of a person’s life through their accomplishments or remarkable deeds.

Biographies are usually written in a chronological order. Some biographers could also draft them in a themed order that is early life, educational background, a person’s achievements or accomplishments. But some especially the short ones will focus on one area in a person’s life.

There are several sources of information that could aid one in writing an astounding biography. These sources of information can be grouped into either primary sources or secondary sources. The primary sources of information include materials like letters, newspaper accounts or diaries. A biographer can also make an arrangement to interview an individual they want to write about. This is also considered as a primary source of information. The secondary sources are reference books, other biographies or historical records that are related to the subject being written about.

Steps in writing a biography;

• Select the individual you want to write about
• Search for the basic facts that relate to a person’s life. The encyclopedia or almanac could be handy at this.
• What’s the most interesting bit about the person?
• What is the significance of the individual to the society and the world in general?
• What qualities or adjectives will be best suited for the description of the individual?
• What actions or life events bring out the qualities or adjectives chosen above?
• What life events or world events shaped the individual or brought out the best in them?
• Did they face obstacles or take some risks in life? How did they handle the obstacles and did they happen to be lucky?
• What impact did they have in the world? Did they add value to the way people view certain aspects of life? Did they come up with a thing, idea or way of action that transformed the way things are handled or rather done in their societies or world in general?
• Carry out some additional research on the internet to answer some of the questions mentioned above. Ensure that you find information that will help you tell a story that many will love.
• After getting everything in order, you can proceed to write the biography. We have provided sample biographies in this site that you could check out in order to get the drift.

Biography templates

A biography template is meant to specifically aid a writer come up with an excellent biography. For this purpose to be achieved the writer needs to get his/her hands on a high-quality biography template, just like the ones provided on this site.

The best biography templates should provide clear instructions, and this should be in great detail to avoid the risk of the writer missing out some important facts. The templates available on this site will help you capture all of the details.

The biography templates should also be precise and avoid beating around the bush. Going round one idea or item will make the biography boring to read and it is prudent for the writer to be straight to the point. By doing this it will be easier for the readers to skim through and find the details they might be interested in with lots of easy. The writer will also save his/her time and concentrate on writing other things.

The general sections of any biography as outlined by our sample biographies will have;

• The name of the person
• A picture of the person
• An account of their early life
• The person’s family life
• The major achievements of the person
• The three main interesting qualities or facts about the individual

A professional Biography Template

A professional biography is a statement that could either be short or long that is written about a person, business or company. It should be engaging, informative and interesting for the readers to identify with the person or business entity being talked about. It has a sales pitch that is a little bit different. A professional biography template is meant to ease the process of generating printed professional biographies especially for an individual who wants to reach a lot of people or institutions.

Elements that should be captured in a professional biography are:

• A summary of one’s early life in a sentence or two, make it interesting
• Then information touching on your education, mention any academic awards or the clubs and societies that you were part of. Any work experience while in school.
• Talk about how creative and innovative you are with coming with solutions to the problems that you have faced as an individual, mention any situation that you were self-reliant in coming up with solutions
• Mention qualities that make you stand out for instance, being independent, principled or discerning to increase your trustworthiness.

The following tips will enable you to come up with the best professional biography;

• Be brief and precise to the point. This is to enable the reader to easily and quickly get to know about you.
• Be spontaneous in your writing
• Be as expressive as possible and avoid too much of self-editing while drafting the professional biography in the initial stages to capture as much information as possible
• Be friendly but not too informal
• Be as interesting as you could in order to get the attention of many people out there
• Write it in third person. Talk about your life as if someone else were describing it.

This site offers you a professional biography template that could aid in making the generation of professional biographies an easy and less time consuming task. You can also check out sample bios to figure out how to go about the whole process of coming up with a professional biography.

Personal Biography Template

A personal biography is a short account of who you are, your credentials and your notable accomplishments in life. Personal bios ought to be short, precise and relevant to your target audience. The use of personal statistics such as hobbies or family should be avoided. A personal biography template will help one to easily and conveniently come up with personal bios.

The key elements in a personal biography are;

• Give an introduction of yourself. Remember to write it in third person and include the year that your professional career started to be relevant. You could give a list of any relevant specializations in your field.
• State your educational facts and credentials. Mention the degrees that you have pursued and the respective institutions. Add any relevant experiences you have that are required for your career and mention the name of the society that you are legally a member of.
• Proceed to outline any notable achievements or awards you have earned in your practice. Remember that the information ought to be relevant to the audience being addressed. If you happen to be an author you could mention the magazines or any publishing house that has recognized your works.
• Your conclusion should mention any upcoming projects or works in progress that people should lookout for in the near future. Don’t forget to mention your current place of residence .

As you age, it is good to keep on updating your biography to reflect who you are at present time. You can make use of the personal biography template offered by this site to easily and in a more convenient way generate your own biography without missing out on the important details.

We also provide sample biographies to give you a feel of what your end draft should look like. If you have kids and you want to let them in on famous historical figures, this site offers biographies for kids. These will help them know the notable people who help shape the world to what it has become to be.

More Templates

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Autobiography Examples

Teaching Students to Write Biography Reports

Biographies are many students’ first glimpse at history. It is one of my favorite units to teach every year. It is a great opportunity for students to read, research, use technology, and write!

If you’re teaching students to write biography reports this year, then check out how I like to break it down!

Breaking Down Writing a Biography Report (Grades 2-5)

Writing these types of reports is part of the Common Core writing standards for Grades 2-5 as well as many other states’ standards. There are several steps to take as you teach your students to write a biography report.

The first step ALWAYS: Introduce Biographies

Before I even begin to teach my students how to write a biography, I like to read several from our school library.

For second and third grade students :

• Have several biographies in the classroom and give students time to explore the books. Then discuss: What did you notice about all these books? How are they the same? How are they different?
• Discuss genre and introduce biographies.
• Then, I would read them biographies about many different people.

For fourth and fifth grade students :

• Make a class anchor chart discussing what you already know about biographies. Look for gaps in understanding, and make sure students know the main characteristics of a biography.
• Then, read several different biographies about the same person with a focus on the different information each biography shared, as well as what information was the same. Did all of the biographies have the characteristics we listed on our anchor chart?

It is important to make note of the characteristics that biographies have so that when students write their own, they already have an understanding of how they are written!

Once students have been exposed to biographies, you can begin to teach about writing them.

Discuss Text Structure of Biographies

Depending on the grade you teach, you may not necessarily call it “text structure,” however it is important for students to understand that most biographies are written in a chronological/sequential way.

Since we are writing about someone’s life, it wouldn’t make sense for the report to be out of order.

While we go over this, I like to create a timeline with my students.

If you are using my biography writing units, I recommend:

• Using the mentor text to create a timeline of the subject’s life. You can do this on the board or on chart paper.
• Use the research text to create a timeline of the subject’s life (this is the person the students will write about, and a text is included in the units). For older students, you may choose to have them fill out the timeline on their own.

How to Write an Engaging Introduction for the Biography Report

At the beginning of the report, students should write an engaging introduction that includes one (or both) of two main components.

The introduction should include one (or both) of these components:

• Introduce the subject with their full name and birth information or
• Briefly preview what they are most famous for

Practice writing a variety of introductions and have students choose the one they like the best. ( TIP: Model some poorly written introductions as well , and discuss why those are not a good fit!)

Crafting the Body Paragraphs of the Biography Report

When teaching your students to write biography reports, it is important to explain to them what the body paragraphs should include.

The body paragraphs should include the major events in the person’s life.

Read over the body paragraphs from your mentor text and discuss what was included and what was not included. What was included in the timeline you created? What did you leave out?

You can make a T chart with your students and discuss what are major events in your own life, and what are not.

Writing a Conclusion for the Biography Report

Most conclusions in a biography end with the person’s death.

While this can be noted, it’s important for students to understand that they shouldn’t just end their report with “and then they died in 1894”. It is more important for them to end their report with the legacy of the person.

To help students understand what a person’s legacy means:

• Review and write legacies of other famous individuals from biographies you have read to your class.
• Ask them what their person is most known for (and review their introduction).
• Ask them how this person has impacted other people.

If you are looking for resources for teaching your students to write a biography report, check out my writing units.

These units also include a Google Slides option so you can teach the whole unit digitally!

Preview the grades 2-5 biography writing units here:.

Get resources for teaching your Grades 2-5 students to write a biography report here.

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Creating a Biography Poster

In this activity, activity overview, template and class instructions, more storyboard that activities.

• This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides

A poster is an excellent culminating activity for biographies. After students have completed all of their research, it is a fun way to bring it all together. For this activity, students will create a biography poster for the person they have researched. . The poster should include the following information: date and place of birth (and death, if applicable), childhood, education, family life, adult life, major accomplishments, and fun facts. Students should also include the theme if it is applicable.

These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person. Thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.

Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Objective:

• Choose a person.
• Using school resources, conduct research and learn more about your chosen person.
• On the poster, include date and place of birth (and death, if applicable), childhood, education, family life, adult life, major accomplishments, and fun facts.

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 4-6

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Biographies

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric .)

How to Teach Creating a Biography Poster for Students with Special Needs

Work with students to understand the biography.

Students working on the biography poster may have a variety of special needs, so you should meet them where they are and help them to understand the main ideas of the person's life. You may need to read aloud, scaffold the information, ask a lot of leading questions, or even write down some of the main ideas.

Assist Students With Finding the Main Ideas

Some students may be able to talk through the main ideas, and some may need the information spelled out even more. Give students a word bank or the other tools they personally need to understand what should be included in the poster, such as family life, accomplishments, and jobs.

Give Students a Choice of Pictures or Symbols to Use

For students with special needs, adding symbols or illustrations to a poster could be especially challenging. You can give students a set of pictures to choose from, or physically work with them to find some. This will build their confidence as they can beautify their poster.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creating a Biography Poster

What elements should be included in a biography poster.

Students should include all of the important facts about the person, including birth and death dates (if applicable), early life and education, fun facts, family life, accomplishments, and the theme found in the biography. This will paint the picture of the person's entire life.

How can a poster be used as a learning tool?

Posters can be hung around the room for all the students in the class to learn from, and students could also use it as a visual aid while they practice their public speaking skills and give a speech about the person's life.

How can students create a biography poster?

Students can easily create a poster on the template by including carefully written information about the person's life, symbols that relate to the person, a clear title, and illustrations.

Biographies

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Biography Writing Poster

A handy poster for your display, including a definition, key features and vocabulary related to biography writing.

Use it on your classroom display boards, or let children access it as a reference resource while they are writing.

The resource is from our Non-Fiction Writing Display Pack.  Find out more at Teaching Packs .

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• ELEMENTARY TEACHING , INTEGRATED CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

Teaching Biographies To Elementary Students (Grades 1-5) in 2024

Teaching biographies can feel intimidating at first, but once you have a solid understanding of the genre, a roadmap of how to teach it, and teaching resources and activities, it’s easy! This post will equip you with all of that and more! You’ll feel prepared (and maybe even excited) about teaching biographies (especially if you are using this biography project and these biography activities )!

The Benefits Of Students Reading Biographies

There are so many benefits of teaching biographies and autobiographies! Readers are transported into that person’s life. They learn all about the person’s achievements, struggles, culture, life lessons, and personality. Biographies can also teach us about the world through the eyes of the subject while allowing the reader to make connections to them. Most students can find biographies they enjoy when they find people to read about that connect with their likes and dislikes to top it off. 

How To Introduce The Biography Genre To Students

The easiest way to introduce and teach biographies is by gathering as many biographies and autobiographies as possible from your classroom library, school, and public library. Make sure that all the books you collect are around your student’s reading levels. This idea works for any theme.

Then, set out the books you collected on each of your students’ tables and have them explore. Ask them to write down what they notice. What do all the books have in common? Have students write down their findings on chart paper. 

Next, have each table share with the class what they noticed. They should come up with some ideas like: 

• They are all about people.
• The person accomplished something big.
• They all include essential dates or a timeline of the person’s life.
• They included real pictures or illustrations of the person.
• The books all tell factual information, and there are no made-up stories.

Lastly, tell students that books with these characteristics are called biographies or autobiographies. Be sure to tell students the difference between biographies and autobiographies too. Create an anchor chart to hang up for students to reference throughout your biography unit! 

4 Ideas For Biography Mini Lessons

After introducing biographies, try one of these mini-lesson ideas for teaching biographies! 

• Have students pick a person they are interested in learning more about. Then have them find books about the person and complete a research project about that person to present to the class. You could even take it a few steps further and have students share what they learned in costume as the person they researched in a wax museum activity! 
• Have students create a social media page of the person they learned about in their biography
• Have students read about a person of interest, and then write journal entries as that person. 
• You could make it seasonal! Around fall, have students paint a pumpkin like a person they read about and present important events or accomplishments as they share their pumpkin. In spring, students could make biography flowers where the center was a photo of the person, and the petals are important events and accomplishments. 

Strategies For Using Mentor Texts To Model Reading Biographies

Teaching biographies is simple when you use these strategies!

First, pick any biography or autobiography mentor text and read it aloud. Ok, maybe not ANY. Be sure to choose one that will be engaging to your students. Think about the things they enjoy and go from there. I love picture books because students can generally read them in one session. (Make sure you preview the text first and mark with sticky notes to remember to stop and discuss during the read-aloud!)

Stop at important dates, accomplishments, life lessons, or significant life events to discuss. I even stop to discuss any figurative language or text features included. This will help students with both reading and writing! Students generally have TONS of connections to share during biography read alouds that lead to great conversations. 

How To Teach Students To Write Biography Reports

One way to help students learn how to write biographies is to write their first one about themselves! Students can brainstorm what should be included in their biography by creating a timeline that includes important events in their life. Then, they use the timeline to help them write their biography in chronological order. You can model this with a biography about yourself on an anchor chart for students to use if they need help. This is also an excellent way to get to know each other at the beginning of the year! 

When it comes to writing biographies about other people, students need to have read several biographies to get an idea of how authors organize this type of writing. When you read aloud, be sure to point out that authors of biographies generally write the story of the person’s life from beginning to end. So students will need to be familiar with sequential order/chronological order text organization. Have students fill in a timeline when you model during read alouds. Point out that biographies usually focus on a part of the person’s life that taught them a life lesson. This biography project and biography activities are great resources for teaching biographies.

Resources for Teaching Biographies

Here are some resources for teaching biography:

1. Biography Project for Elementary Students

Are you looking to begin using a biography project ? Perhaps you are just looking for something better than you already use. If so, this is the resource you need! It is a great resource for teaching elementary students about biographies.

This is a great project to complement a genre study of biographies, an author study, social studies concepts and more. I’ve recently updated the entire product so that it now includes an option to do the Living Biography Museum where families come into school and the students “perform” in character OR can instead be used simply as an independent research project in class or as a homework assignment.

The twist is that instead of having the students dress in costume (which can be a hassle for the parents since most kids can’t put their own costume together) they make a poster board costume with a space for their head to pop through.

A-DOR-ABLE!!!

In the past I’ve done the living museum and had students prepare a brief speech to recite in character. This year I opted to send it home as a homework project and will instead take their photos with their poster board and display them with the written report.

This download now includes BOTH the original version and my new and improved updated version as well. If you have high achieving students who need enrichment this is a perfect activity for them to do on their own or you can use it with an entire class. It’s ideal for grades 2-5.

This biography project contains everything you need to have your students complete a project of their very own to present in class or at a Living Biography Museum.

What is included in this biography project?

Make teaching biographies fun by incorporating this biography project , which includes the following:

• Grading rubrics / criteria checklist
• Graphic organizer to plan writing
• Graphic organizer to record sources
• Student writing pages
• Poster board visual directions 

5 Reasons Why Teachers Love It

Below are 5 reasons why teachers love using this resource for teaching biographies.

• This comprehensive biography project includes differentiated materials, so all you will be able to meet all of your students’ needs and your they will feel successful.
• The project makes a challenging concept accessible for elementary students.
• This resource facilitates a fun hands-on learning experience that offers opportunities for students to practice important skills without them even realizing it.
• This print and go resource will save you lots of time planning and prepping.
• It is aligned to the Common Core Standards, so it will give you peace of mind knowing your students are practicing important grade level skills.

How to Implement the Project in Your Classroom

You can either do a Living Biography Museum where families come in to school and the students perform in character or it can instead be used simply as an independent research project in class or as a homework assignment.

How I Used the Resources in My Classroom to Teach Biography

We had so much fun making these bio poster boards.

As a bonus, the kids learned a ton.

I started by having them complete oodles of activities from my biography activities packet which acquainted them with a whole bunch of famous folks.

Then I had them work in teams to research Benjamin Franklin. They had discussions about why he was famous. They talked about his accomplishments. Finally, they each wrote about him in the 1st person and performed a monologue as if they were Ben.

To make it oh-so-much-more-fun, I gave them each a poster board to use as a “costume.”

I’m now having them each select their own historical figure of choice to repeat the process as an independent project at home.

I seriously loved this project. The kids did too.

They enjoyed walking around wearing their poster boards and singing, “Who flew a kite in a storm and made history… Ben Franklin Square Pants.”

They also enjoyed having “conversations” with each other while wearing the poster board.

Kid 1: Hey Ben

Kid 2: Yo Ben

Me: **Listening carefully how this conversation is going to go.**

Kid 1: Ben, I really liked how you proved lightning was electricity.

Kid 2: Thanks Ben. You know you’re awesome, right? I mean, you signed the Declaration of Independence and all.

Kid 1: I know dude, right? I totally rock!

And then there was the boy who did a stellar job with his presentation… and then ended it by yelling, “Thank you Philadelphia. Ben Franklin has left the building.”

Third graders make me laugh.

2. Biography Activities for Elementary Students

These biography activities are great resources for teaching biographies to elementary students. It provides teachers with no prep printable biography activities that can be used over and over when studying any person.

This unit was designed to enhance the study of individuals. The activities can be used as part of a genre study or within the content areas. I have also used them with author studies and have had the children complete them as autobiographies about themselves.

What is included in this resource?

This biography activities resource includes 7 activities. Learn about them below!

1. Biography Poster

Students gather information about any individual and use their research to create an 8.5 x 11 inch poster. The poster has spaces to record the person’s name, date of birth, place of birth, interesting facts, reasons of importance and character traits. They then draw a portrait of their individual.

2. My Life in Pictures: A Scrapbook Biography Project

To complete this biography, activity the student will take on the role of the individual they are studying. The student can either draw illustrations or print and attach photos highlighting important parts of the individual’s life. The student then writes captions. This biography report is so much more fun than writing an essay and more pages can be added as enrichment.

3. Top-Down Topic Web

This graphic organizer shows the relationships to the main idea and details. They represent main ideas in a hierarchy. These research-based tools help the students to comprehend what they have read because it organizes ideas in a systematic, visual graph.

4. The Important Book Biography Activity

The Important Book is a great book for teaching students about writing patterns. This activity was modeled after the format of that book and was designed to encourage students to identify key, important facts about the person they are studying. It makes a great bulletin board display.

5. Body Biography

A Body Biography project is a combination of artwork and writing. The packet includes a poster to use as directions or to display with the students’ completed biography projects. They complete sections such as a speech bubble with a quote by the individual, a thought bubble to show what they have thought about, shoes labeled with places the person has been, a heart filled with character traits. They then draw objects in the hands that relate to the person and create a background that tells the viewer more about the historical figure.

6. Timeline Biography Report

Unlike a lengthy written report, this is a creative way to showcase important events in the person’s life. Students identify key moments and tell about them in words and pictures. They are added to a foldable accordion booklet in sequential order.

7. I AM Poem

An I AM Poem is typically completed as an autobiography. I also have my students do one about themselves to learn more about them. The format is also great for showing what they know about a person they have learned about. The students take on the role of that person to write the poem in the first person.

• These biographies activities are high-interest for students, so they’ll be motivated to learn through reading and researching.
• This comprehensive resource includes differentiated materials, so all you will be able to meet all of your students’ needs and your students will feel successful.
• Your principal, colleagues and school librarian will be impressed by the creative methods of sharing learned information and the integrated learning that takes place.
• The resources can be used with an biography study and be used over and over again.

How to Implement it in Your Classroom

It’s part of our social studies curriculum and technically it is a study of Massachusetts Biographies, but we began learning about the genre with a mini-study of Martin Luther King Jr.

I read several picture books and the students buddy read a free printable reader from A to Z.

We created a top-down web listing information that we learned about MLK.

Then I read The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown, and the students completed an activity I created for my biography packet that was inspired by the book. They used the same format as Brown’s book to compose their own version, “The important thing about Martin Luther King Jr. is…”

Finally, each of my friends made a portrait of MLK using the directions from TLC. They came out crazy cute. I hung each of them up even though I’ll probably take them down and send them home soon. They were just too adorable not to display.

Today, we did another activity (The I Am Poem) from the biography activities packet and a craftivity to go with it. I really feel like I am able to get to know my students on a completely different level through projects like these. They really open up and share such sweet ideas and insight into who they are.

3. Biography Picture Books

Belo are 4 high-quality biography children’s books for elementary students.

1. Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport is a nonfiction picture book that teaches children about the life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students will learn what life was like for Martin growing up and how he became a leader in the fight for equal rights.

Throughout the book, the author includes actual quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. This book explains how Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged people to use their words to make change and the impact he had on the country. This story follows Martin all the way from childhood through the end of his life.

I liked this book so much I added it to my Starts With a Story collection! Grab these Martin’s Big Words activities to deliver a highly engaging and purposeful interactive read aloud!

2. The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

The Story of Ruby Bridges details the struggles that six-year old Ruby Bridges endured when she was chosen to attend an all-white, segregated school as a black girl.

All of the other students’ parents pulled their children out of school because of her, and so she was forced to attend class all alone. She was escorted by U.S. Marshalls every morning, as she had to listen to jeers and insults being thrown at her while she was entering the school.

Despite these hardships, Ruby’s courage through non-violent actions did so much for the civil rights movement, and later that year, two white boys started to attend school with her. This inspirational true story teaches children that, no matter what age you are, anyone can be a trailblazer for change.

I liked this book so much I will be adding it to my Starts With a Story collection! Grab these The Story of Ruby Bridges activities to deliver a highly engaging and purposeful interactive read aloud!

3. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca

The story The Girl Who Thought in Pictures follows the life of Temple Grandin. The story starts off with Temple being born, and the doctors thinking that she needed to be sent away because she was different. Temple liked to watch things spin, did not like loud noises or crowds, anything that was itchy, or big squeezy hugs. She also did not talk until she was three. Temple got diagnosed with Autism. Her mom said that Temple was “different, not less.”

When Temple goes to school, the children there would tease her relentlessly. One day, Temple’s mom thinks that it would be better for Temple to stay on her aunt’s ranch. There, Temple finally feels comfortable and explores ways to help animals. Temple goes to college and gets three degrees! Now she travels the world giving speeches and spreading hope. She spreads the message that the world needs brains of all kinds.

I liked this book so much I added it to my Starts With a Story collection! Grab these The Girl Who Thought in Pictures activities to deliver a highly engaging and purposeful interactive read aloud!

4. Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Denise

The sixth picture book on the list of books that are great for teaching biographies is Planting Stories . It is a biographical picture book about Pura Belpre, who was the first Puerto Rican Librarian in New York City. When she started working the library, she realized that there weren’t any of the stories and folktales that she was familiar with in Puerto Rico. She decides to share her stories during story hour and through puppet shows, and eventually publishes a book.

Pura travels across the country and from classroom to classroom planting her story seeds and educating about her homeland. When she returns to the library, she sees that her story seeds have bloomed and everyone is telling her stories. Students will love learning about Pura and how she shared her stories with children everywhere.

I liked this book so much I added it to my Starts With a Story collection! Grab these Planting Stories activities to deliver a highly engaging and purposeful interactive read aloud!

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20 Engaging Ways to Teach Biography Writing in Elementary School

Biography writing is an excellent way for elementary students to develop their research, writing, and critical thinking skills while learning about inspiring individuals from history. However, keeping young learners engaged throughout the biography writing process can sometimes be a challenge. That's why I've compiled a list of 20 creative and interactive strategies to make biography writing more engaging for elementary students. From hands-on activities to technology integration, these ideas will inspire students to dive into the lives of remarkable individuals and craft compelling biographies.

1. Choose Inspiring Figures

Start by selecting biographical subjects that will resonate with your students' interests and passions. Consider figures from diverse backgrounds, time periods, and fields of expertise to provide a variety of role models for students to explore. When possible, let the students decide who they want to research as this in increase their investment in the assignment.

2. Interactive Timeline

Create an interactive timeline where students can visually map out key events in the life of their chosen biographical subject. This hands-on activity helps students develop a chronological understanding of the individual's life and accomplishments. For more on interactive timelines, check out my past blog What is an Interactive Timeline .

3. Create Trading Cards

Have students design trading cards featuring their biographical subjects, complete with facts, statistics, and illustrations. This fun and creative activity combines research skills with artistic expression.

4. Interview Simulation

Organize a mock interview activity where students take on the roles of interviewers and their biographical subjects. This activity encourages students to think critically about the motivations, perspectives, and experiences of their chosen figures.

5. Biographical Sketches

Have students create visual biographical sketches that depict key moments in the life of their subject. You could have them do three sketches from different key moments in their life to really show their growth and change over time. This artistic approach allows students to express their understanding of the individual's journey in a creative and artistic way.

6. Multimedia Presentations

Encourage students to incorporate multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio clips into their biography projects. Integrate technology by having students create digital storytelling projects about their biographical subjects. Using multimedia tools such as video editing software or online presentation platforms, students can produce dynamic and engaging narratives. This multimedia approach adds depth and dimension to students' presentations.

7. Field Trip to Historical Sites

Take students on a field trip to historical sites or museums related to their biographical subjects. This hands-on experience provides context and inspiration for students as they learn about the lives and legacies of historical figures. Can you work with the site to maybe have them display the biographies that your students write? This will help your students to invest more significance into the assignment.

8. Guest Speakers

Invite guest speakers, such as historians, authors, or community members, to share their expertise on the lives of famous individuals. Hearing from experts firsthand can deepen students' understanding and spark their curiosity. Hey, it never hurts to ask a famous person either. Getting a well known author or your local congress person to visit your class can really bring this assignment to life. If you are able to invite an actual famous person, have the students prepare interview questions for them in advance. I usually have them prepare 3 questions. They ask them 1 question each as many times they are repeated. Then at the end if they didn't answer their other questions they can ask them too. This helps to be respectful of the person's time as well.

9. Collaborative Research Projects

Encourage collaboration by assigning group research projects where students work together to explore different aspects of their chosen biographical subjects. One student can write about the early life, one about the beginning of their career, and one about the end of their life. This cooperative learning approach fosters teamwork and peer support. It also helps the assignment to go faster which is great if this is a practice writing assignment.

10. Create a Classroom Museum

Transform your classroom into a museum showcasing students' biography projects. Provide opportunities for students to present their work to classmates, parents, and other members of the school community.

11. Storyboarding

Use storyboarding techniques to help students organize their biographies into a coherent narrative. Have students create visual storyboards that outline the beginning, middle, and end of their subjects' lives. Encourage students to analyze the personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses of their biographical subject. Use graphic organizers or character profiles to guide students in understanding the complexities of human character.

12. Character Journal Entries

You don't always have to write an entire biography. Encourage students to imagine themselves as their biographical subjects and write journal entries from their perspectives. This creative writing exercise allows students to empathize with their subjects and gain insight into their thoughts and feelings.

13. Historical Fiction Writing

Challenge students to write historical fiction narratives based on events from the time period of their subjects' lives. Have their subject be a part of the story with real events happening around their fictional characters. What was Abraham Lincoln's hat maker up to? Who was the person sitting next to Rosa Parks on the bus? This imaginative exercise encourages students to research historical context and creatively interpret real-life events.

14. Virtual Field Trips

Take advantage of virtual field trip opportunities to explore locations related to students' biographical subjects. Virtual tours of museums, landmarks, and historical sites provide immersive learning experiences without leaving the classroom.

15. Living Wax Museum

Host a living wax museum event where students dress up as their biographical subjects and present information about their lives to visitors. I have done this bilingually before where people could push the button for English or Chinese. This interactive and theatrical activity brings history to life in a memorable way.

16. Fictional Character Biographies

You can teach the biography structure using fake characters too. Encourage your students to write a biography of Harry Potter, Llama Llama, or any other character they want. For this, it is best to choose a character that has enough information to write a biography about. This will often be a character from a series.

17. Peer Feedback

Encourage students to provide feedback and constructive criticism on each other's biography projects. Peer review sessions promote collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills. Remember to first teach kids how to give feedback in a constructive way. I teach them to sandwich. Neutral statement, "I noticed you included a lot of details about her house." Constructive feedback, "You can consider putting more about her life in the house." Honest and specific positive feedback, "This paragraph really caught my attention because of the way you presented the problem and then showed how she solved it. It was like a little story in one paragraph." Make sure kids know whether they are giving revision advice or editing advice. I also don't encourage comments about handwriting or vague comments like, "I like it." Giving feedback is an important lifelong skill just as vital as writing is. On the other hand, receiving feedback is also a skill that needs practice. I remind students that feedback is often an opinion. We can listen to opinions and then choose whether we want to use them or thank the person and ignore them. You can model this activity with cards. Write an opinion on a card, "you should stand up and do three jumping jacks because you will have fun doing that" or "You should put your jacket on because you will get cold without it." Put it on the kid's desk. They can pick up the opinion and do it or leave it and say, "Thank you for your opinion." Sifting through advice, not getting offended and hurt by advice, and choosing when to apply advice and when to reject it are also important life skills.

18. Bio Pics

Create movie posters advertising the biography movie. If you have tablets or cameras, you can make movie trailers summing up the subject's life. Students can edit them and present them at a film festival. I set a time frame for movie trailers for at least 1 minutes but less than 3 minutes. Make sure the major events from the person's life are displayed in the trailer.

19. Reflective Journals

Incorporate reflective journaling activities where students write about their research process, challenges, and discoveries. Journaling promotes metacognition and self-awareness, helping students develop a deeper understanding of their learning experiences.

20. Celebration of Achievements

Celebrate students' hard work and accomplishments with a culminating event, such as a biography showcase or awards ceremony where they collect an award on behalf of their subject. Recognize students' efforts and achievements in researching, writing, and presenting their biography projects.

By implementing these 20 engaging strategies, teachers can inspire elementary students to become enthusiastic and empathetic biographers. Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and creative expression, students will develop valuable research skills and a love of writing.

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Biography Writing Teaching Resources for 4th Grade

• Teaching Resource 24
• English Language Arts  22
• Writing  21
• Types of Writing  19
• Expository Writing  18
• Inquiry and Research  8
• Social Studies  5
• US History  4
• Reading Comprehension  3
• Historical Figures  3
• Reading Response Skills  2
• Report Writing  2
• Special Areas  2
• Women's Rights Movement  2
• Text Structures  2
• English Language Arts and Reading  1
• Westward Expansion  1
• Interact with Text  1
• World History  1
• Physical Education  1
• 1st Grade 1
• 2nd Grade 6
• 3rd Grade 19
• 4th Grade 22
• 5th Grade 23
• 6th Grade 18

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• Templates 16
• Worksheets 5
• Writing Checklist 2
• Word Walls 2
• Checklist Templates 2
• Flipbooks 2
• Writing Templates 2
• Interactive Games 2
• Graphic Organizers 1
• Cut and Paste Worksheets 1
• Teaching Slides 1
• Inquiry Based Learning Activities 1
• Classroom Posters 1
• Task Cards 1
• Classroom Decor 1
• Brochure Templates 1

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• Microsoft Word (.docx) 2
• Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) 2
• Adobe Reader (.pdf) 1
• Teach Starter Publishing 24

Athlete Profile Template

A worksheet to use in the classroom when writing athlete profiles.

My Research Project - Pennant Banner

Create a pennant banner for students to record and display their biography research.

Biography Writing Checklist – Structure, Language, and Features

A checklist for students to use when proofreading and editing their biography writing.

Biography Timeline Template

Use this multipurpose timeline template for a variety of assignments, projects, and more!

Biography Cube

Research and create an interactive biography for a historical figure.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition - Interactive Research Templates

Use these three templates to record notes or research project content on the life and contributions of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea

Writing a Biography Project

Use this PowerPoint template for students to author a researched-based biography on a historical figure.

Biography Research Template

A research template for older students to use when writing a biography.

Biography Brochure Template

Help your students organize their thoughts about their biography subject.

Biography Flipbook Template

Create a flipbook that clearly illustrates the most significant aspects of a biography subject.

Character Development – Fakebook Page Worksheet

Use research and creative writing skills to design a social media profile for fiction or nonfiction persons.

Informative Writing Word Wall

Display key vocabulary related to informative writing with a set of 48 word wall cards.

Biography Word Wall

A set of 30 vocabulary words related to biography writing.

Who is Amanda Gorman? Biography Research Template

Conduct and organize Amanda Gorman facts and research with a printable or digital flipbook activity.

Dr. Mae Jemison – Biography Structure Sorting Task

Read and sort to help students learn about the structure of a biography with our cut and paste biography worksheet.

Jane Addams Biography - Worksheet

Use this biographical constructed response worksheet to teach your students about Jane Addams.

Let's Research! Digital and Print Poster Project Templates

Conduct, organize, and display research about books, people, planets, animals, states, and countries with a versatile set of printable and digital poster templates.

Elements of a Biography Poster

Use this biographical writing poster with annotations to help your students understand how to write an engaging biography.

Writing Biographical Texts PowerPoint

A 29-slide, editable PowerPoint template to use when teaching older students about the structure and language features of biographical texts.

Biography Writing Template

Guide students through the structure and elements included in biography writing.

Biography Sentence Starters

Give students a jumpstart on writing about people with 24 sentence starters.

Biography Writing Checklist

Now your students can make sure that they have everything they need in their biography.

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Biography Writing Poster (How To Write A Biography)

• Grade: Grade 6 Activity type: Printable

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• Course English
• Grade Grade 6
• Section Writing (Old archived section)
• Outcome Writing a Biography: Leonardo da Vinci
• Activity Type Printable
• Activity ID 19424

Activity: View similar activities

• Famous People
• Leonardo da Vinci (Artist)

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United states – common core state standards, 5 – grade 5, w.5 – writing.

W.5.4 – Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)

Samples: Description Writing Stimulus. Recount Writing Stimulus. Description Writing Stimulus. Report Writing Stimulus. 

W.5.5 – With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

W.5.6 – With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.

W.5.7 – Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

W.5.8 – Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.

Samples: Recount Writing Stimulus. Report Writing Stimulus. Exposition Writing Stimulus. Narrative Writing Stimulus. 

W.5.10 – Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

W.5.2 – Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

W.5.2.a – Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

Samples: Recount Writing Stimulus. Report Writing Stimulus. Lion - King of the Jungle. Create a Quiz about Egypt. 

W.5.2.b – Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.

Samples: Report Writing Stimulus. Lion - King of the Jungle. Create a Quiz about Egypt. Report Writing Structure. 

W.5.2.c – Link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., in contrast, especially).

W.5.2.d – Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

W.5.2.e – Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.

SL.5 – Speaking & Listening

SL.5.2 – Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Samples: When I’m at School (poem). I’m Getting Taller (or My Jeans Are Shrinking!). 

SL.5.1 – Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

SL.5.1.a – Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion.

SL.5.1.b – Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.

SL.5.1.c – Pose and respond to specific questions by making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others.

SL.5.1.d – Review the key ideas expressed and draw conclusions in light of information and knowledge gained from the discussions.

SL.5.4 – Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

Samples: Report Writing Stimulus. Exposition Writing Stimulus. Lion - King of the Jungle. Exposition Writing Stimulus. 

SL.5.6 – Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when appropriate to task and situation.

L.5 – Language

L.5.6 – Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal contrast, addition, and other logical relationships (e.g., however, although, nevertheless, similarly, moreover, in addition).

L.5.1 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

L.5.1.a – Explain the function of conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in general and their function in particular sentences.

Samples: Conjunctions (co-ordinate and subordinate). Interjections. Prepositions. 

L.5.1.b – Form and use the perfect (e.g., I had walked; I have walked; I will have walked) verb tenses.

Samples: Tense with verbs. Saying Verbs. Clauses with saying verbs. Progressive verb tenses. 

L.5.1.c – Use verb tense to convey various times, sequences, states, and conditions.

Samples: Verb types. Verbs. Clauses with action verbs. Tense with verbs. Modal Verbs. Saying Verbs. Relating verbs. 

L.5.1.d – Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense.*

Samples: Verb types. Verbs. Clauses with action verbs. Tense with verbs. Modal Verbs. Saying Verbs. Clauses with saying verbs. 

L.5.1.e – Use correlative conjunctions (e.g., either/or, neither/nor).

Samples: Conjunctions (co-ordinate and subordinate). Black Spelling Program: Overview and Recording Sheet (15 page PDF). 

L.5.2 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

L.5.2.a – Use punctuation to separate items in a series.*

Samples: Editing text. Commas. Parentheses, dashes, colons and semi colons. Editing text. 

L.5.2.b – Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence.

Samples: Editing text. Commas. Black Spelling Program: Overview and Recording Sheet (15 page PDF). prefix micro. 

L.5.2.c – Use a comma to set off the words yes and no (e.g., Yes, thank you), to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence (e.g., It’s true, isn’t it?), and to indicate direct address (e.g., Is that you, Steve?).

Samples: Quotation Marks. Black Spelling Program: Overview and Recording Sheet (15 page PDF). prefix micro. 

L.5.2.d – Use underlining, quotation marks, or italics to indicate titles of works.

Samples: Quotation Marks. Description Writing Stimulus. Recount Writing Stimulus. Description Writing Stimulus. 

L.5.2.e – Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

Samples: Synonyms (like, make, push, go...). Antonyms (good, happy, come, up, before....). 

L.5.3 – Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

L.5.3.a – Expand, combine, and reduce sentences for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.

Australia – Australian Curriculum

Creating texts

ACELY1714 – Plan, draft and publish imaginative, informative and persuasive texts, choosing and experimenting with text structures, language features, images and digital resources appropriate to purpose and audience

Samples: Descriptive Writing Stimulus. Report Writing Stimulus. Procedure Writing Stimulus. Descriptive Writing Stimulus. 

ACELY1715 – Reread and edit students' own and others' work using agreed criteria and explaining editing choices

ACELY1717 – Use a range of software, including word processing programs, learning new functions as required to create texts

New Zealand – National Standards

Y5&6 – year 5 and 6, y5&6 – writing.

They draw on knowledge and skills that include:

Y5&6.W.1 – Using an overall text structure that is appropriate for their purpose, e.g., an orientation, a problem, a climax, and a satisfying resolution (for a narrative) and an introduction, a series of main points, and a logical conclusion (for a report)

Y5&6.W.2 – Selecting vocabulary that is appropriate to the topic, register, and purpose (e.g., academic and subject-specific vocabulary appropriate for specific learning areas or precise and descriptive words to create a mental image)

Samples: Relating verbs. Clauses with relating verbs. Conjunctions (co-ordinate and subordinate). Interjections. Prepositions. 

Y5&6.W.3 – Using written language features (such as emotive vocabulary) and visual language features (such as headings, charts, or maps) to extend or clarify meaning and to engage their audience

Y5&6.W.6 – Organising related ideas into paragraphs (e.g., paragraphs comprising a topic sentence with supporting detail) and beginning to use cohesive devices to link paragraphs

Y5&6.W.7 – Using simple and compound sentences that are correct grammatically and have a variety of structures, beginnings, and lengths and using some complex sentences that are mostly correct grammatically

Samples: Sentences. Parts of a sentence. Compound sentences - Simple use of conjunctions. Compound sentences. 

Y5&6.W.8 – Using basic punctuation that is mostly correct (e.g., when punctuating dialogue)

Samples: Using capital letters in names: activity 1. Capital Letters. Full Stops. Sentences. Commas in lists. 

Y5&6.W.9 – Attempting some complex punctuation (e.g., using apostrophes for possession, commas for clauses, or semicolons).

Samples: Apostrophes. Commas. Parentheses, dashes, colons and semi colons. Editing text. 

6 – Year 6

6.ws – the writing standard.

Key characteristics of students' writing at this level

6.WS.1 – These texts will include, when appropriate:

6.WS.1.a – Content that is usually relevant to the curriculum task and includes detail and/or comment supporting the main points

6.WS.1.b – Paragraphs that group ideas

6.WS.1.c – Simple and compound sentences that are correct grammatically and some complex sentences that are mostly correct grammatically

6.WS.1.d – Words and phrases that are appropriate to the topic, register, and purpose,including subject-specific vocabulary.

United Kingdom – National Curriculum

You can go to an overview of all the curricula here .

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