This spring, the eighth graders were invited into a writing project that would highlight the image of God in all people and give value to their unique stories. Their biography unit presented a great opportunity to learn the elements of biography writing, while uncovering the beautiful stories of God’s people. Each student selected one person from a previous generation who had a different cultural background than themselves. They interviewed neighbors, church members, coaches, and community members. The students crafted questions to uncover details, emotions, and events while focusing on learning targets such as “I can ask thoughtful, deep-digging questions that lead to constructive conversations and community building” and “I can actively listen to the stories of others with love, respect, and curiosity.”
Following their conversations, students gathered the information and used their writing skills to compose a biography that recognized the interviewee’s role in God’s Story. Finally, to express appreciation, the students gifted the biography to the interviewee along with a handwritten thank you card. The project challenged our learners to use their writing skills and reach beyond their inner circle to see how God orchestrates the lives of His beloved people.
Students interviewed people from all around the world, including countries such as South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, Cuba, Kenya, El Salvador, the Netherlands, Brazil, Spain, and many more. They highlighted themes of courage, perseverance, strength, trust, and faithfulness as they wrote about traveling across the world, working through challenges, building families, starting new careers, and finding faith.
Brief excerpts from several student biographies show evidence of God working through them and the people they interviewed:
“He has shown me that anything is possible if you pray and trust in God.”
“His life is very inspiring and can show that God uses all things for the good of His people.”
“His life wasn’t spared so he could keep living, but for God to work through him and spread His word to other people.”
“His story fascinated me and helped me to grow spiritually.”
“If I have learned anything, it’s that God’s plan will always work out, even if there are a few bumps along the way.”
“His life shows that God can change people to serve his purpose…”
“What motivates me is how motivated she is toward serving God in her family and in her community and outside.”
“She has truly shown how to handle the tough times, how to depend on God in them, and also how to celebrate and thank God for the daily blessings.”
And, finally,
We want our students to be excellent writers, but our deeper hope is that our students have loving conversations, listen with respect, think curiously, and have a deep appreciation for individual stories within God’s larger Story. We are grateful we can do this work in every subject!
