Personal Narrative
Personal Narrative
Objectives
In this unit, students will begin keeping a journal, write a personal narrative, and participate in peer evaluation, revision, and editing. Students will:
- learn what a journal is, determine the benefits of journaling, and begin keeping a journal.
- understand the power of memory and the idea that our minds remember the events that are tied to strong emotions.
- analyze the structure and content of a personal narrative.
- experience how writing is enhanced and how tone and voice are created through the use of vivid verbs, specific nouns, precise adjectives and adverbs, action, imagery, and dialogue.
- realize how journal entries provide the seeds for different types of writing.
- brainstorm, outline, draft, and write personal narratives.
- use the writing process and improve as writers by revising and editing at least two drafts.
- experience peer editing by sharing questions, ideas, information, and opinions.
- clarify the difference between writing for private versus public audience and purpose.
Essential Questions
How do grammar and the conventions of language influence spoken and written communication?
What is the purpose?
What makes clear and effective writing?
What will work best for the audience?
Who is the audience?
Why do writers write?
- Why do writers write? What is the purpose?
- What makes clear and effective writing?
- Who is the audience? What will work best for the audience?
- How do grammar and the conventions of language influence spoken and written communication?
Related Unit and Lesson Plans
Related Materials & Resources
The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.
- “Eleven.” Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories by Sandra Cisneros. Vintage, 1992.
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie and Ellen Forney. Little, Brown and Company, 2009.
- Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Bantam, 1993.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal by Jeff Kinney. Amulet, 2007.
- My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook and Carrie Hartman. National Center for Youth Issues, 2005.
- “The Moments of Your Life: Journaling Is a Way to Record, Reflect and Understand” by Jennifer Matthewson. The Writer Mar. 2004: 17+.
- “Exercise Your Writing Muscle; Practice These Journaling Techniques and Improve Your Skills” by Miriam Sagan. The Writer July 2002: 38+.
- “What Is a Memory Made of?” by Joannie M. Schrof. U.S. News & World Report 18 Aug. 1997: 71+.
Formative Assessment
Final 05/24/2013