Frederick Douglass Biography Writing Unit | 5th–6th Grade | Black History

Teach your students about Frederick Douglass while building reading and writing skills! This engaging biography writing project includes a fact-sorting activity, guided paragraph organizers, introduction and conclusion templates, and final writing pages. Perfect for Black History Month, U.S. History, or informational writing lessons in Grades 5–6. Extension tasks include a crossword and wordsearch to reinforce key vocabulary. A complete literacy and history resource — just print and teach!

Included in this PDF printable resource:

• Four fact sheets which students need to cut out and sort into paragraphs
• Writing templates for four draft paragraphs
• Two prompt sheets for students to write their introduction and conclusion
• A template for students to write up their neat biography text
• A crossword puzzle & wordsearch activity to consolidate learning

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This resource is great for:

• In class learning
• Independent work
• Homework
• Creative writing sessions
• Assessment practice
• Emergency sub plans

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This engaging biography writing project is designed to take place over four structured lessons, each lasting approximately 40–50 minutes. The unit builds reading comprehension, paragraph organization, and informational writing skills in a fun, hands-on way.

Lesson 1 – Sorting and Organising Facts: The first lesson is interactive and hands-on. Students begin by cutting out a set of mixed facts about the chosen historical figure. Working individually or in pairs, they read through each fact carefully and then sort them into four paragraph categories. This activity encourages discussion, comprehension, and sequencing skills as students decide which facts belong together and in what order they should appear within each paragraph.

Lesson 2 – Writing Paragraph Drafts: In the second lesson, students use their sorted facts to write four clear and detailed paragraphs. Each paragraph focuses on one main stage of the person’s life, such as early life, achievements, challenges, and legacy. Students are encouraged to write in full sentences, add linking words and conjunctions, and use pronouns to make their writing flow smoothly. They do not need to include every fact — instead, they select the ones that best support their writing.

Lesson 3 – Writing the Introduction and Conclusion: The third lesson focuses on planning and writing the introduction and conclusion. First, students review all their facts and identify the most important ones to include in the introduction — the key details that best summarise who the person was and why they were significant. Then, using a prompt sheet, they answer guided questions to help them reflect on the person’s achievements, qualities, and lasting impact. These responses form the basis for writing a strong concluding paragraph.

Lesson 4 – Editing and Final Draft: In the final lesson, students review and edit their draft paragraphs, checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. They can use dictionaries or peer feedback to make improvements. Once they are happy with their drafts, students write their final biography neatly on the provided template pages. These finished pieces make excellent display work for the classroom or school hallway.

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