Introduction to Memoir What is a memoir?

When I say “memoir” you say… Brainstorm words that pop into your head when you hear the word “memoir” (individually) Work together to form a working definition of “memoir” (small group) Share and tweak your definitions(as a class)

Memoir is… A type of autobiographical nonfiction where a writer takes a reflective stance in looking back on a particular time in his or her life. A short text focused on a single incident that is meaningful to the author. OR

What is the purpose of memoir? Brainstorm in your small group. To reveal something important about yourself or your life. To leave something of you behind for others To bear witness (to say, “I was there when…”) To learn something about yourself To celebrate an important person or event in your life

Event vs. Experience A memoir is not just a retelling of an event; it’s an exploration through the thoughts, emotions, and importance tied to that event, by the author. Memoir isn’t the summary of a life; it’s a window into a slice of life. Different people may experience the same event in different ways.

“Everything Will Be Okay” Recognizing the author’s experience What are the events described? What is the author’s experience? What is the text evidence that supports the understanding of the experience?

Exit Slip How did thinking about the author’s experience, rather than just the events, change your understanding of the memoir? (individually answer on a half sheet of paper and turn in to Ms. Schmitt)

“DIRK the Protector” by Gary Paulson

SLOT: Vocabulary:Copy down vocabulary in your notebook: -Cohort -Predatory -Conventional -Commotion -Decoy -Brindled -Forerunner -Hustle -Impasse -puny

Academic Vocabulary conventional- usual; traditional forerunner- person or thing that came before puny- weak and small predatory- given to stealing from or hurting others for one's own gain Impasse’- a situation in which no progress can be made; a deadlock

Academic Vocabulary brindled- light brownish yellow or grayish with streaks or spots of a darker color hustle- to gain by energetic effort cohort- a companion or associate decoy- person or thing used to distract others or lead them in a different direction

“Dirk the Protector”: Assignements Read the story and complete the following: Assigned Passage questions Vocab Matrix Cause and Effect Chart PLOT CHART Essential Question-Short Essay Response

Vocab Matrix HANDOUT Complete Vocab MATRIX

Cause and Effect Cause Effect

Essential Question Does the concept of survival effect the characters in a negative or positive way in the memoir “Dirk the Protector?” Use three textual supports and three of your own thinking to support your Short Essay Repsonse.