I celebrate myself and sing myself,

And what I assume you shall assume

For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

from: Song of Myself by Walt Whitman

The Autobiography Main Lesson brings an awareness of the unique value of everyone’s life.

The Class 9 child is on the brink of young adulthood, so this Main Lesson has them revisit childhood, and sharing their own autobiography is a meaningful way of expressing their journey thus far. Conversations have a special focus as memorable moments from the past are celebrated again as they are remembered. The child communicates with their parents recalling stories of how their parents met, their family heritage, their birth story as well as infant and toddler years. And then they communicate with themselves as memory is jogged by photographs and the stimulation of the senses often with the smell and taste of kindy bread and the texture of kindy crafts and toys. And finally, the child communicates with peers as they share more recent memories of school including games, plays, camps, festivals, teachers and lessons.

The Class 9 child can be quite self-centred and pre-occupied with their own inner world so looking at exceptional humans who have had to overcome challenges and hardships helps the student appreciate their own life and the lives of others. The students are required to read a published biography or autobiography and to present this as an oral report to the class.

Students are encouraged to explore who they are through daily writing practice using a reflective autobiographical style, poetry writing, speaking and visual art. Students each design a personal Coat-of-Arms representing their geographical and cultural heritage as well as their own passions and interests. Childhood games are especially enjoyed, possibly for the last time as a group. They delight in running around on the oval playing games such as chasey, cat-and-mouse, “goosey, goosey” duck and scarecrows.

Pam Moore

English & Humanities Teacher