Reflection Writing Back of Notebook Date: 9/20/ Second Narrative Writing

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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

Rambling Narrative

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

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

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…”

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.