Using Memoir as a Genre in Writing By Ariana Morgan

What is a Memoir?  A memoir is a “ snapshot ” of one ’ s life experiences.  A memoir helps frame a special moment of understanding that was “ vivid ” or “ intense ”  The experience may be positive or negative.

What is the Function of a Memoir?  to connect the reader or writer to the past  “ to invite writers to remember, to reflect upon and to make sense of their lives ” Dawn Latta Kirby & Dawn Kirby

What is the Contemporary Memoir?  Contemporary memoirs (CM) differ from traditional autobiographies in several ways:  do not encompass a person ’ s complete life  focus on remembering, reflecting and making sense of an experience

Characteristics of Memoir  explores and preserves the past  may be confessional in nature  may be fictionalized  recounts human struggles and triumphs

Why Should We Use Memoirs in Our Classes?  offer a forum for students to discover themselves  allow students to make sense of their world  open channels of communication in the language classroom

Research  Expressivist Theory-60’s by Peter Elbow  “Anyone can be a writer”  Writing is rooted in emotions  Focuses on “voice and experience”

Aligning Memoir Writing with the Standards  Content Standards and Grade-level expectations (2007)

Standards and Expectations (English Program)  L/S. 9.1 Listens and responds to a read aloud from a variety of fiction and nonfiction to analyze character development and setting, to determine tone, voice, and mood, and to make connections to the text.  R.9.1 Analyzes the text, establishes the purpose, states author’s purpose, and distinguishes between text features.  W.9.3 Applies organizational patterns and the elements of descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive forms of writing to construct a composition. There are three basic standards:  Listening / Speaking  Reading  Writing Here are some expectations that can be applied according to the grade level (Ninth Grade) and to the given activities. (Content Standards and Grade-Level Expectations, 2007)

USING MEMOIRS AS A GENRE IN WRITING My Name

Using Memoir as a Genre in Writing Title: My Name Lesson Plan Time: 2 class periods Grade Level: Middle School, High School, University level

Objectives After reading and discussing the reading My Name by Sandra Cisneros the students will:  use it as a model for writing  identify the origin and significance of a name (using technology or by oral history)  reflect on how you identify with your name  write a memoir about the significance of your name  share your memory with other students

Procedure Read the story, “ My Name ” by Sandra Cisneros aloud. Discuss the story (You may use guide questions). Find the language origin and meaning of your name using the Internet or baby name book.  Leer “ Mi Nombre ” por Sandra Cisneros en voz alta.  Discutir la lectura.  Encontrar el origen y el significado de tu nombre usando la internet o un libro de nombres para beb é s.

Procedure Write about the significance of your name to you. Include an interesting moment or experience about your name. Give your opinion of your name. Do you like your name? Why or why not?  Escribe sobre el significado que tiene tu nombre para ti.  Incluye un momento interesante o experiencia que tengas sobre tu nombre.  Da la opini ó n de tu nombre. ¿ Te gusta tu nombre? ¿ Por qu é o por qu é no?

“My Name” from House in Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

“Mi Nombre” por Sandra Cisneros

WRITE THE MEMOIR OF YOUR NAME 15 MINUTES

Author ’ s Chair

Questions ? Thank you for your participation !