Tell your Life Story… In (just) Six Words!

What is a memoir? biography or historical account: a biography or an account of historical events, especially one written from personal knowledge

Legend has it… Ernest Hemingway was challenged to write a whole novel in six words. His version? For sale: Baby shoes; never worn. Take out a sheet of paper, please and write what you think this story is about…

Never really finished anything, except cake. Carletta Perkins

Not quite what I was planning. Summer Grimes

I managed not to destroy anything. Tucker Frazier

6 word memoirs have become so popular lately that there is a website dedicated to them. Several books have been published, including one written entirely by teens called I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets.

Eventually, I’ll make my own breakfast. –Sam Z.

You’re the parent, act like one. –Anais V.

Money’s tight; thankfully imagination is free. –Vanessa E.

They screamed “nobody.” I believed them. –Andrew C.

Can’t stop taking pictures of myself. –Kacey K.

Aspiration: colonize Mars. You’re not invited. –Jordan H.

I never got my Hogwarts letter. –Deanna H.

Googled what he called me. Ouch. –Emily L.

Me plus brother equals total disaster. –Zachary M.

Lost myself for popular kids’ approval. –Kimberly G.

Coach ignored me. He’ll regret it. –Maeve M.

Can I be fourteen forever, please? –Emily B.

I’m thankful I’m not messed up. –Kieran D.

Tired of being the smart kid. –Danielle B.

Love: not enough, All there is. -Katie B.

Memoir Don’ts I like to play football alot. Joe Schmoe

Write your life… Must be 6 words(not five, not seven) Must be self-reflective Must be colorful/neat NO PENCIL – typed or pen On the back, attach 2-3 COMPLETE SENTENCES explaining what your memoir means.

Name ______________________________________ 6 Word Memoir Rubric Grade ______________________________________ Points earned 5 4 3.5 3 – 2.5 6 Word Memoir 6 words spelled correctly 6 words – one misspelled word 5 or 7 words or more than one error More or less than 6 words AND more than one error Missing Self-reflective Deep thought Basic memoir – but still about the author Used the word You in the memoir Sounds more like advice Explanation of memoir 2-3 sentences - No mechanical errors 1 mechanical error in sentences 2 – mechanical errors in sentences More than 2 errors in sentence Neat/creative Wow! Above and beyond Good - Neat and colorful You should have typed it Pencil/notebook paper