Massachusetts Biography Book Report
Book must be approved by Ms. Engasser by ____________
Book Report Due______________
The genre of our current book report will be biographies. To go along
with the Grade 3 Social Studies Framework, all students must read a
biography of a person from MA who has significantly contributed to society.
No athletes will be accepted. The book report includes two parts: an oral
presentation and a timeline.
Parents are encouraged to participate in this book report, especially
reading and discussing parts of the book with your child. You can check
your child’s comprehension and make sure his/her facts are
accurate. Optional: You may want to plan a family field trip to an
appropriate site in MA that will enhance your understanding of the person’s
place in history.
I want the students to really concentrate on the oral presentation and
take time to truly get to know their person. Attached are the grading rubrics
I will use when grading their oral presentations and timeline. Please use it
as a guide to help prepare for the presentation.
Requirements
Oral presentations:
Should be between 3 and 6 minutes long.
The students will present in character, meaning s/he IS the character
and will speak using the pronoun “I”.
 Students should dress in character
 Students will use at least 2 props that represent part of the character’s
life. Props may be an object made by the student, part of the costume,
or something the student already has at home.
 Students may use note cards to aid them in their presentations, but
the presentation should not be read. They may also use their
timeline to aid them in their presentation.
 Be sure to include information about your character’s childhood, who
influenced this character, what did the character do to make history,
how has your character affected other people’s lives.
**Include in your oral presentation a “What If?”**
 Pick one event in the person’s life. Think about what might have
happened if that event had not occurred, or if it happened
differently. Tell how you think the person’s life would have been
different and how history might have been different.


Timeline:
Your child has two options to create their timeline. They can either
create a paper timeline or a digital timeline. The timeline must include
6 significant events of the person’s life in chronological order.
Paper Time line: Construction paper will be provided for your child. The
timeline should be in pencil FIRST! Use crayons or colored pencils. An
example of a paper timeline is attached. Please use this as an example to
follow its layout.
TimeToast: If your child chooses to create a digital timeline they must use
the website TimeToast: http://www.timetoast.com. Our class will be using this
website, so your child will be familiar with it. A free account can be set up at
home and instructions on submitting the digital timeline will be given close
to the deadline.
All timelines are due _____________.
Oral Presentations will be divided up into two days:
Students with last names beginning with the letter A-K will present on
_______________.
Students with last names beginning with the letter L-M will present on
_______________.
Students should come to school the day of their presentation dressed in
character.
Resources:
 Biography guidelines have been emailed and posted on our class wiki
under Biography Presentations page
 Biography Presentations page includes: links to Time Toast and
Rubrics
As always if you have any questions please feel free to contact me @
lengasser@walpole.k12.ma.us
Thank you,
Ms. Engasser
Please cut and save instruction sheet. Turn in signed portion.
I am aware that my child has a Biography Book Report with the timeline due
on _____________________, and their oral presentation to be presented on
__________________.
My child will complete a {Circle one} Paper Timeline or TimeToast
_____________________
_______________________
Parent Signature
Student Signature