Memoir writers often use narrative techniques such a s dialogue and descriptions to make their stories more engaging and real. Today we read the mentor text, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother,  and discussed how the author’s use of dialogue and description helped develop the experiences and showed the relationships between the characters. 

After dissecting the mentor text we tried these writing strategies on our own. I shared an example that included specific dialogue I remembered from an interaction with friends in 5th grade. I spoke about how the dialogue, or what my friend had said to me, left a lasting impression on me. The kids couldn’t believe that I remembered something from 22 years ago. It was a lesson not only in writing but also empathy. The words we choose to say can stick and impact people for a very long time! They also couldn’t believe that it had been 22 years since I was in 5th grade…I can’t either! 

I asked the kids to find a comfy spot to write and to start thinking about a memory where a lot of conversation took place. In addition, I asked them to include how/why that dialogue enhanced the memory or story. Some students simply wrote their ideas (totally OK!) while others turned their dialogue into full written memoirs. 

As we continue to immerse ourselves in beautifully written memoirs, I am impressed by the willingness of your children to take risks, share personal stories and the overall excitement to write! 

Below are two examples of writing from today. Stay tuned for more writing to come!