Memoir+Plans

Memoir Lesson Plan - Organized by Robin Howell Colony Middle School
1. Explore [|StoryCorps] and other websites for examples of podcasts and share with students. ([|StoryCorps] at NPR) 2. Read [|"Where I'm From"] by George Ella Lyon (Below) 3. Use poem as a model for students to write their own "Where I'm From" poem. Can get template from the complete lesson plan below. 4. Use the book // Awakening the Heart Exploring Poetry in Elementary and Middle School //[| Georgia Heard] to inspire students to reach inside themselves and think about what they feel and believe. Robin creates a heart just like the cover on the book to help students brainstorm and organize their thoughts. 5. In preparation for podcasts and oral presentations brainstorm "What are characteristics of a good story teller?" What do good story tellers do? This process helps them to recognize the need for an emotional connection and exploring their own voice. 6. Students practice telling their story in partners. 7. Students practice recording their story and listening. 8. When students feel they are ready they can do three final recordings then choose the best ones. You have to put a limit on the number of chances they have to record.

“Where I’m From” Poem Assignment - Professional Poet’s Exemplar
[|Complete lesson Plan] by Stephanie Meyer 7th grade

Where I’m From by George Ella Lyon from [|http://www.studyguide.org/where_I'm_from_poem.htm]
I am from clothespins, from Clorox and carbon tetrachloride. I am from the dirt under the back porch. (Black, glistening it tasted like beets.) I am from the forsythia bush, the Dutch elm whose long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.

I’m from fudge and eyeglasses, from Imogene and Alafair. I’m from the know-it-alls and the pass-it-ons, from perk up and pipe down. I’m from He restoreth my soul with a cottonball lamb and ten verses I can say myself.

I’m from Artemus and Billie’s Branch, fried corn and strong coffee. From the finger my grandfather lost to the auger the eye my father shut to keep his sight. Under my bed was a dress box spilling old pictures, a sift of lost faces to drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments– snapped before I budded– leaf-fall from the family tree

=Student Exemplars=

“I’m From the Woods….” by Nick
I’m from the woods and the creek behind my fence From the gray wooden backyard deck. I’m from the honeysuckles, The pear trees by the neighbor’s garden From the creek when I swing over it.

I’m from the yellow walls of Grandma’s kitchen From the Yorkshire pup, the coolest thing in my family. I’m from macaroni pictures of the Ark From “I just can’t snap my fingers and make it happen” and from David the Gnome in summers long ago.

I’m from my mom’s side of the family, From roasting turkeys for each holiday, From when Papaw yelled at his boss and got fired From the family pictures in the big wooden cabinet and From the family gathering when we drag them out.

I am from those moments. A root that no one sees, but walks all over An important part of the tree.”

Where I’m From…. by Lauren
I ‘m from baths in the kitchen sink, From Downy and Mom’s perfume I am from flowers by the fence (yellow and springy they tasted like crayons). I am from the ivy crawling up the house, The baby tree whose sturdy trunk shot from the ground A mirror image of my planted feet. I’m from sprinkles and plastic table donut shops From Bert and Ernie I’m from stupid heads and dot dot I got my cootie shot From don’t touch this and don’t touch that. I’m from Hymn No. 96 and why is this piece of bread so small? And bible crafts made from neon pipe cleaners. I’m from Bill and Darlene’s branch From hot soup and freshly baked corn bread From the Well, when I was little’s and the snowy games Told to me by Green Bay Packer season ticket holders In the storage room are boxes Overflowing with shiny, color-coated memories Bundles of dreams kept alive To ask my mother about. I am from those moments A leaf changing color with the weather Time only strengthens the branch that holds me.