ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS RESOURCES

CREATING A MEMIOR

Planning Points

Approximate Time Needed: 60-90 minutes
Correlation to English I SCS 1.01, 1.02, 6.01, 6.02
Correlation to NC High School Exit Exam Competencies: C1, C2, C4

Lesson Objectives:

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the personal connection of the writer and the subject by creating an original memoir.

Materials Needed:

representative texts (such as Cheaper by the Dozen, I Remember Mama, O, Ye Jigs and Juleps!)

Description:

The following activity builds upon students' previous writing experience to distinguish a personal reminiscence from that of a memoir. Students will demonstrate an understanding that the memoir, which is similar to a reminiscence, holds a deeper personal connection to the people and places involved and likely covers a broader span of time. The following questions are provided to guide the students in creating a graphic organizer or outline.

• What person has made a major impact on your life?
• How long have you known this person (one year, two years, all your life)?
• How did you spend time with this person?
• What are the things that happened that you remember very well?
• What positive influences has this person had upon you?
• What is something the person has taught you that you will pass on to others?
• Why is this experience different from any of your other memories?

The teacher should have a representative text to read from or use as an example. The media specialist may be able to help identify screenplays and books which evolved from the memoirs of different individuals. As the class reads or views the text, have students discuss what aspects of the piece appeal to them and help them appreciate how the author's past experience (described in the memoir) has been significant to his present. Students use the guided practice above for pre-writing and drafting. Students may also peer edit/share the rough drafts before creating a final product following prescribed guidelines or rubrics for a formal presentation. Students may also share the memoirs with the entire class.

Assessment:

Graphic organizers or outlines, drafting, revising, editing, formal oral or written presentation

Additional Notes:

• This activity may vary in length depending upon the nature of the class.
• Grandparents or parents are the likely choices of many of the students. Other suitable choices might be a good friend who moved away, a long-time family pet, several weeks or months spend in a particular location and memorable people and events from that experience.

Teacher's Notes:

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