Summer’s a Great Time to Write an Autobiography

While most kids don’t enjoy writing — especially essays or reports — I’ve found that many actually do love to write about THEMSELVES. Face it, there’s nothing more interesting than one’s self, right? This project will get them shuffling through old photos and boxes of “stuff.” It’ll conjure up great memories with old friends and family. And most importantly, it’ll give them a great sense for who they are today based on who they were way back when. Even for young ones, a trip down memory lane is always fun.

For elementary school-aged kids, supply them with photo albums or boxes of photos, mementos you’ve saved (art work, letters, awards), and plenty of paper and glue. Use 8.5″ x 11″ paper so you can bind everything at a copy center like Staples. Give them a timeline of big events that happened in their lives so they can use them as guidelines in laying out their autobiographies. Consider listing birthdays (of course!), sporting events, family vacations, best friends, favorite pets, and family get-togethers.

For middle and high school kids, they’ll probably prefer using Word or InDesign so they can add digital photos to their text. Ask them to layout their outlines and offer suggestions that will encourage them to write. If you can gather awards, old sports equipment, and photos, you might be surprised by their enthusiasm to scan and include those memories in their autobiographies.

My girls wrote autobiographies in kindergarten, 3rd grade, and again in 12th grade. They enjoyed writing them because it kind of summed up their lives. It’s always nice to reflect back on your accomplishments. I love to read them now because I can hear their little voices — and personalities — which takes me back to those happy places!

If your child needs motivation to get started or to finish their autobiographies, select a due date when they present them to the family. Invite family or friends over for the event so it adds weight to your deadline. We had little parties and they invited their friends. Just think, they’ll be creating something that will become a family heirloom!