Activity
Historical Biography Box
This activity will teach blind and visually impaired students about historical figures by using biography boxes.
- Students will define the term biography.
- Students will choose a historical figure that interests them, read the biography for comprehension, and take notes.
- Students will gather five items that are associated with the subject of their biography and place in a box.
- Students will give an oral presentation on the biography subject and their five items.
- Students will explain the significance of the items in the life of the biography subject to their classmates.
- Historical biographies from a classroom, school, or public library in the appropriate media format
- Computer (for research)
- Braille writer, braille label maker, iPad, computer, screenreader, pen/pencil, recording device (note taking/presentation notes)
- Box (bag, can, etc.)
- Five item associated with the biography subject chosen by the student for his/her presentation (can be actual items or representations)
- Additional descriptions of images or visual media
- Music, sounds and other audio enhancements
- Introduce students to biographies.
- Present students with a selection of biographies and let them chose their subject.
- Explain assignment to the students. Give them two weeks to read the biography, to take notes, and to prepare for their presentation.
- Students are to read the story, take notes, and collect items that are associated with the subject for their Historical Biography Box. (Ex. Joan of Arc – fleur de lis, Benjamin Franklin – bifocals)
- Encourage students to use the internet for additional research
Presentation:
- Five minute oral presentation about the biography
- Use standard English
- Speak clearly and loudly so everyone can hear
- Summarize the biography incorporating the Historical Biography Box and its items
- Explain the significance of each item and how it is related to the subject
- Allow classmates to examine the objects
- Answer any questions from classmates
- Items can be labeled with braille for identification when sharing with students who are braille readers.
- This can be adapted for any type of book.
ELA Standard:
- 7.RI.10 – Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity – By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
- 8.RI.10 – Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity – By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 6–8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
- 9-10.RI.10 – Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity – By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 9–10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. By the end of gr…
- 11-12.RI.10 – Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity – By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 11–CCR text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. By the end o…
- 7.SL.5 – Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas – Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.
- 8.SL.5 – Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas – Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.
- 9-10.SL.5 – Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas – Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
By Wendy Patrone-Mentzer
