1. Reflection Writing Back of Notebook Date: 9/20/2010 60 Second Narrative Writing

2. 60 Second Directions Write as many details as possible on the topic presented on each of the following slides One topic per 60 seconds There are 7 topics – Choose 5 – Skip 2 Writing is all about YOU and your LIFE EXPERIENCES

3. Topic #1 Childhood Memory-- Choose a vivid time from your childhood. Narrate the events related to the childhood memory that you've chosen.

4. Topic #2 A Difficult Decision--Choose a time you had to make a difficult decision. What were your options? How did you arrive at the decision and what made it so difficult?

5. Topic #3 A Summer job--Pick a specific day or events that stick out in your mind and narrate the events. Why does the story matter? DO NOT simply tell us where you worked.

6. Topic #4 A Driving Experience--Write about a memory of driving for the first time or of a specific driving incident.

7. Topic #5 Disagreeing--Think of a time when you disagreed with a decision that had been made and did something about it.

8. Topic #6 Achieving a Goal--Think of a time when you achieved a personal goal. Tell your readers about the story of how you met your goal. Be sure that your readers understand why the goal is important to you.

9. Topic #7 Hero Narrate a time someone has been a hero to you or you have been a hero to someone else.

10. Rambling Narrative

11. Your Rambling Narrative Choose 1 of your 60 second writings to write your Rambling Narrative Choose the 1 you feel: Most comfortable writing about Most info/details came to your mind You feel a strong connection to: is significant to you You could write a solid, well-written 1-2 page essay Appropriate for school

12. Rambling Sample I was born at the height of World War II just as Anne Frank was forced into Bergen-Belsen by the Nazis. I adore Brigham’s vanilla ice cream in a sugar cone and dipped in chocolate. I bought my favorite jacket for a dime at the Methodist Church rummage sale. I have lied to my parents. I never read a book for pleasure until I was 38 years old. One of my students once leaned in to me in an interview and said, “My mother’s having a baby; this is the one she wants.” When I was 12 I set the organdy curtains in our bathroom on fire, playing with matches. My favorite place to hide was high in the maple tree in our front yard where I could spy on neighbors. I can still smell wet white sheets pulled through the ringer washer when I think of Grammy Mac. I dated Edmundo in high school because it angered my father. I fainted when I heard the sound of the zipper as the mortician closed the body bag holding my mother. I gave birth to twin sons. I once had dinner with Judy Blum. I am a teacher who writes. I want to be a writer who teaches… Linda Rief

13. Your Rambling Narrative For 5 minutes, write as quickly as you can your own “rambling narrative” in your notebook. Tell as much of your story (beg. middle, end). Ramble: provide more details on the topic you chose and begin to write in story format – tell the story. If you’re stuck for starters, borrow any phrase and write off that, such as  “It was during…when…”  “…playing…”  “I can still…”

14. Final Question Provide an explanation as to how the event you just rambled about has had an: Impact on you, your life, your outlook, etc. OR Why significant to you &/OR What could others learn from your experience Do this at the bottom of your ramble.