Travel back in time with me… Think about an experience you have had that you will never forget. It might have been a concert, party, sports activity, or vacation. It might have been a school-related activity or a particularly eventful time outside of school…

Get yourself into a comfortable yet receptive state of mind Get yourself into a comfortable yet receptive state of mind. You will be closing your eyes, listening to my words, and allowing your imagination to take over. PLEASE DO NOT FALL ASLEEP!!

Are you ready? Close your eyes, think of that memorable time I mentioned before, and listen…

What do you see? Look to your right, to your left, and in front of you in your mind’s eye. Are you inside a building or room? What does it look like? What objects are inside? What color are the walls? Is it outside? Are you in a particular area of your neighborhood? In a parking lot? What people are around you? What buildings are around you? What is the weather like? Is it sunny or rainy? What do you see?

What sounds can you hear. Are there other people’s voices. Car horns What sounds can you hear? Are there other people’s voices? Car horns? A particular song or piece of music? The voices of your friends, classmates, or teachers? What do they sound like? What sounds can you hear?

What aromas can you smell. Can you smell food. Burning leaves What aromas can you smell? Can you smell food? Burning leaves? Rain in the air? Does a particular house or room have a distinct smell? Try to imagine it now. What do you smell?

What can you taste. Is it a particular food. Is it bitter What can you taste? Is it a particular food? Is it bitter? Is it the salty taste of blood in your mouth? Is it snow? What do you taste?

What can you feel. Are you hot. Cold. Do you have goose bumps What can you feel? Are you hot? Cold? Do you have goose bumps? Are you holding anything in your hands? Can you feel the scrape of gravel or blacktop beneath your feet? Is it the swish of the carpet in the school hallway? Is it the squeak of hardwood on a gymnasium floor? Is it something emotionally or physically painful? What do you feel?

Apply as many of these sensory details as you can to your personal narrative.