Writing: Memoirs

These sites explain how to write memoirs and include ideas for getting started. There are also some writing examples and lists of recommended children’s books that use this form of writing. There is a link to eThemes Resource on Personal Narrative Writing.

Grades

• 4,
• 5,
• 6,
• 7,
• 8

Links

Scholastic: Classroom Activities

This lesson on memoir writing can be adapted for elementary students. Includes three suggested books that are examples of memoir writing. NOTE: This site includes ads.

Scholastic: Who Am I

Pages three and four in this four-page PDF file offer prompts for students to reflect on what has made them who they are.

Authentic Writing: Childhood Memory Story

This is a lesson plan on memoir writing for high school students but can be adapted for younger students. Follow the steps and write down your childhood memory stories.

Scholastic: Write It: Memoir

This site provides a step-by-step guide in writing memoir. Includes help and examples on brainstorming, drafting, reviewing, revising, and polishing the writing. NOTE: This site has a link to forums.

Memoir Lesson Plan

This lesson plan offers ideas that introduce students to the genre of memoir through readings of two popular narratives. Activities are provided that can help students become familiar with narrative structure, character development, and the similarities and differences between memoir and fiction.

Self-Revision Worksheet for Memoirs

Use these 10 questions to evaluate the writing of your own memoir.

Peer Editing Worksheet for Memoirs

Use these questions to provide evaluation and feedback for the memoir written by someone else.

eThemes Resource: Writing: Personal Narrative Writing

These sites have tips and examples for writing strong leads for paragraphs and structuring personal narrative writing. Students can learn how to capture and hold their readers’ attention. There are classroom activities, online quizzes and exercises, and ideas to help writers develop their skills. Includes links to eThemes on grammar and interactive writing activities.

Education Standards

• AL
  • 3
  • 5
• MO
  • 1
  • 1.1
  • 1.10
  • 1.4
  • 1.5
  • 1.6
  • 2.1
  • 2.2
  • 3
  • 4
  • W.2.B.a
  • W.2.B.a
  • W.2.B.a
  • W.2.B.b
  • W.2.B.b
  • W.2.B.b
  • W.2.C.a
  • W.2.C.a
  • W.2.C.a
  • W.2.C.a
  • W.2.C.a
  • W.2.C.b
  • W.2.C.b
  • W.2.C.b
  • W.2.C.b
  • W.2.C.b

Request State Standards

Created: July 21, 2003 at 12:07.38 | Updated: March 26, 2010 at 04:18.40