Write a Six-Word Memoir
Last winter, my daughter, one of her friends and I wrote six-word memoirs to sum up our days. This exercise was based on the very popular book called “Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure.”
I found it a challenging and interesting way to review my day. We shared news about a sister’s engagement, acceptance at graduate school and other big and small events.
I’ve since used Six-Word Memoirs to help groups sum up their discussions as I was facilitating character education programs for the Institute for Character Development. I find that it helps people really focus on the central idea, and saves giving lengthy reports on discussions.
These free Teaching Guides are fun too. Check out Assignment Redux. I hope you’ll try some of the ideas from our colleagues at the University of Iowa. They include–
- Assignments
- Icebreakers
- Reflections
- Collaborative writing
And here’s a place to post your own six-word memoir.
This would be a great idea for rounding out a group session each week. It would be neat to record in journals or somewhere for the girls to look back on the year.
[…] with the best outcomes include youth voice and choice, varied processing opportunities and reflection that informs future planning. Here are some resources to help you get […]
[…] with the best outcomes include youth voice and choice, varied processing opportunities and reflection that informs future planning. Here are some resources to help you get […]
[…] etc. I have another moment of panic when I ask them to sit in a circle to reflect on the activity (a key part of learning!). You know – the feeling you get when a bunch of trusting kids looks up at you with, […]