Six Word Memoirs

Bellringer 8/15: Take a seat at any desk On the paper you’ve been given, make a list of some things that are important to you (i.e., they matter to you).

mem· oir Definition [mem-wahr, -wawr] noun a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation. Usually, memoirs. a. an account of one's personal life and experiences; an autobiography. b. the published record of the proceedings of a group or organization, as of a learned society. 3. a biography or biographical sketch.

So… Memoirs are a literary nonfiction genre much like an autobiography. However, unlike an autobiography, which tells a complete life story, a memoir tells a story from a life, such as one event or memory that helped shape them as a person

A memoir in only six words. Six – Word Memoir A memoir in only six words.

FOR SALE: baby shoes, never worn. History It all started with a challenge to Hemingway. In November of 2006, Smith Magazine challenged its readers to do the same. Now, at least 8 books have been published, along with the creation of a page-a-day calendar, a game, and countless videos. (Check Smith Mag’s website and YouTube.) http://www.smithmag.net/sixwords/ FOR SALE: baby shoes, never worn. ~ Ernest Hemingway

Example: You are beautiful, inside and out!

Watch some examples from one high school class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USzLQx-EEUw

Here are some other examples: Many years learning, many years thinking by Josh in Josh Beale’s class Creative writing, at Holly springs high school in North Carolina on February 2, 2015  Life is like running, it's tiring. by Aidan in Mrs. Johnsen's Class’s class English, at Great Lakes Academy in NA on January 30, 2015  The Sun ALWAYS Rises: Scatters Darkness by Mrs. Johnsen in Mrs. Johnsen's Class’s class English, at Great Lakes Academy in NA on January 30, 2015 The good wins- the evil fail. by Grant in Mrs. Johnsen's Class’s class English, at Great Lakes Academy in NA on January 30, 2015

ASSIGNMENT: Write a personal six-word memoir that: Describes you, Create a personal 6WM ASSIGNMENT: Write a personal six-word memoir that: Describes you, Explains your life, Encapsulates a pivotal point in your life Summarizes your life’s motto or mantra, or Inspires you (These are just ideas to get you started.)

THE ANSWER TO THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION: NO! SIX-WORD MEMOIRS CANNOT BE FIVE WORDS, THEY CANNOT BE SEVEN WORDS … THEY MUST BE SIX WORDS LONG! (YOU CAN DO IT.) Last slide for Quick Write

HOW TO WRITE YOURS: Brainstorm some ideas and make a list of things that matter to you. (already done in Bellringer Condense one of your brainstorm ideas into six words. (This may take a few drafts.) Write more than one version … play with it! Contractions can help you. (are not  aren’t) Adjectives and adverbs: add or remove to help create the 6-word format. Leave it on this slide while they write. http://vimeo.com/14866375 (steps to writing a swm)

Present your 6WMs to the class on Thursday PUBLISH & SHARE! Present your 6WMs to the class on Thursday Fosters a “family” feeling in the class.

They need to include an illustration Illustration can be hand-drawn, cut and pasted pictures from magazines, downloaded from computer or your camera.

But you must produce and turn in a hard copy. Part of the grade is presenting and explaining it to the class.

YOUR TURN: Write a personal six-word memoir.

6 Tips for Writing Six Word Memoirs 1. Make your six-word memoir personal and honest. 2. Use the Six Word limitation to inspire creativity. 3. Think about the emotion/tone you wish to express through your writing. 4. Put the six best words in the best order to express exactly what you want to communicate. 5. Consider where you will place capital letters and punctuation marks. 6. Get inspired from reading other six-word memoirs. When you present you will say, “This means….” and “I chose this because….” (and tell how it relates to you personally).

Always Always a mother, now a friend. now a friend. My 6WM: Always Always a mother, now a friend. now a friend.

SUPPLIES OFFERED Paper Markers/crayons/colored pencils Scissors Glue Magazines

Examples I will show you more examples of six word memoirs that capture each stage of my life.

Always a mother, now a friend.

Always a mother, now a friend.