Six Word Memoir Fearlessness is the mother of reinvention. I still make coffee for two. From migrant worker to NASA astronaut.

Aims and objectives All: need to think about punctuation and sentences structure To demonstrate a knowledge of implicit (suggested meanings) in text. To recognise how a writer uses specific words and phrases to affect the reader. Strategies to analyse and interpret meanings of words and phrases in text Syntax: sentences are the right words in the right order with the right punctuation in the right place. Explore! Demonstrate a knowledge of synonyms. What is a memoir? All: need to think about punctuation and sentences structure Some: need to extend vocab.

Recap: Q: What is the writer doing when he/she chooses specific words in their writing? Task 1: write an answer. Discussion A: E.g. Trying to affect the reader by setting a mood/tone (or answers like this). All: need to think about punctuation and sentences structure Some: need to extend vocab.

Words and Sentences What is an implicit (suggested) meanings in text. Find a definition and write it down. What is the opposite? Why are synonyms useful? E.g. Some words are overused and boring… Find synonyms for boring words such as: good, bad, big, tired, run, funny, happy, know, laugh and like. All: need to think about punctuation and sentences structure Some: need to extend vocab.

Syntax: Syntax: sentences are the right words in the right order with the right punctuation in the right place. Explore! Where does the punctuation need to be in this next sentences to give it different meaning: A woman without a man is nothing. A woman, without her man, is nothing. A woman, without her, man is nothing.

Ernest Hemingway’s short story: For sale: Baby shoes, never worn. What is it about? What is the story? Who are the characters? How does the writer’s powerful imagery and choice of words affect the reader? Discuss. How does the punctuation, choice of words and word order work? All: need to think about punctuation and sentences structure Some: need to extend vocab.

Write your 6 word memoir Task 3: write a six-word memoir. Rules and tips: Make your six-word memoir personal and honest (e.g. your attitude towards life). Use the Six Word limitation to inspire creativity. Think about the emotion/tone you wish to express through your writing. Put the six best words in the best order to express exactly what you want to communicate. Consider where you will place capital letters and punctuation marks.

What is a memoir? A memoir is a special kind of autobiography, usually involving a public portion of the author’s life as it relates to a person, historic event, or thing. The text is about the personal knowledge and/or experiences of the author. In contrast, an autobiography covers the author’s entire life to the present, and is expected to include details about his or her public and private life. A biography is someone’s life story written by another person.

Examples of 6 word memoirs “Nixon childhood, Reagan teenager, hope finally.” Tonia Mohammed-Madejczyk, Northport, New York  “Facebook has ruined my entire life.” -Jeanie Engleke, Bradley Beach, NJ Nobody cared, then they did. Why? Born bald. Grew hair. Bald again. Started small, grew, peaked, shrunk, vanished. No taxidermist loved his daughter more.

6 word memoir tips Think of a pallet of words relevant to you and your life and the people in it: write them randomly on your paper and then begin to order your work. Find SYNONYMS (SEE THESAURUS) (extend your vocab) Think of your life in general i.e. your attitude towards it. What drives you. What makes me interesting is… I am/was proud of myself when….  If I could change one thing about myself… I would be so happy if… I would just like to thank…

Six Words from this lot? Write a rough timeline of your life. Describe what you look like and what stands out in your appearance. How has your look changed over time? Describe your family or your friends. Describe your childhood. What is your typical day like? The point is to expand how you think about yourself — to fill your mental palette with all the colours you can find inside yourself. You’ll only use six, but you want every option possible.

If you need a starter to help Start by writing a six-word description of a shape. Describe different geometrical shapes and their attributes. Always round. No straight edges. Circle.

My Students Life’s meaningless, then you came along. All the same, six feet under. Build cardboard castles, not paper dreams. Wanted: eyes, a heart, possible feelings… Straightened hair this morning, already curly.

Your 6 word memoirs. All: need to think about punctuation and sentences structure Some: need to extend vocab.

Have we achieved? To demonstrate a knowledge of implicit (suggested meanings) in text To recognise how a writer uses specific words and phrases to affect the reader Strategies to analyse and interpret meanings of words and phrases in text Demonstrate a knowledge of synonyms How to write a simple but powerful sentence with implicit meaning that shows and doesn’t tell the reader our narrative intentions?