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Lesson Plan

Memoir Writing Based on Jerry Spinelli’s "Milkweed" by NNWP


Subject

English Language Arts (2005), English Language Arts (NYS P-12 Common Core)

Grade Levels

Intermediate, 7th Grade, 8th Grade


Six-Trait Overview

Students will focus on the traits of word choice and idea development. Students will use the lesson's graphic organizer to brainstorm sensory details and pre-plan the words they will use in their writing. The graphic organizer will also help students focus on how they specifically felt, and what they thought in the particular moment.

Description

After discussing memories and memoir writing by discussing Chapter One of Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli, students will plan their own memoirs based on a specific memory from their past or current life. Word choice and details will be brainstormed before students begin drafting

Website(s)

Northern Nevada Writing Project
The National Writing Project
Jerry Spinelli

Author

Amy Maniscalco, Nevada teacher

Materials

  • Picture book: Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
  • Copies of the novel, Milkweed, by Jerry Spinelli
  • Song: “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson
  • Copies of Idea Development Revision Notes
  • Copies of Word Choice Revision Notes
  • Copies of Milkweed Student Memoir Models
  • Copies of Memories Graphic Organizer Pre-Writing handout
  • Copies of Memories Draft Worksheet
  • Idea Development Revision Notes.pdf
  • Word Choice Revision Notes.pdf
  • Memories Graphic Organizer Pre-Writing.pdf
  • Memories Draft Worksheet.pdf
  • Milkweed Student Memoir Models.pdf

    • Duration

    Two or three 45-minute class periods (depending on if you read only Chapter 1 together in class, or if you read both Chapters 1 and 2)

    Step-by-Step Procedure

    Day 1

    Anticipatory Set: Read the picture book Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold and discuss the types of language she uses in the book to articulate a particular event. Discuss with students the development of her ideas and the flow of the story.

    1. Read Chapter 1 from Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli. Chapter one starts with the word MEMORY and continues. Using Idea Development Revision Notes, have half of your students listen for and then rank Spinelli's idea development skills. Have the other half of your students rank his word choice skills using the Word Choice Revision Notes. Before students share their rankings, have them discuss with a partner who has the same type of note.
    2. You can read chapter two as well, if you want students to further think about Spinelli's word choice and idea development. Ask students to write down some of the most powerful words that they remembered as the text was read.
    3. In small groups, have your students read and respond to any or all of the Milkweed Student Models found in the materials section. After reading the models, have small groups talk about the idea development and organization in the models.
    4. Play the song, “A Moment Like This,” by Kelly Clarkson to get the students thinking about a particular moment or memory they might use to create their memoir for this assignment.
    5. Distribute the Memories Graphic Organizer Pre-Writing handout. This graphic organizer will help them recall all of the ideas they had about the particular moment.
    6. Students will use the questions on the graphic organizer to stimulate good words to incorporate into their essay. Once they have completed the graphic organizer they may begin the writing process by completing the Memories Draft Worksheet.

    Homework: Complete Rough Draft

    Day 2

    Anticipatory Set: Instruct students to have out their rough draft of their memoir. Have students complete the Idea Development Revision Notes and the Word Choice Revision Notes for their own rough drafts.

    1. Review word choice and idea development with the class. Ask students to share examples of vivid words with a partner.
    2. Have students peer share their rough drafts and complete the Idea Development and Word Choice Revision Notes for their partner's draft.
    3. Allow students time to revise their pieces of writing and write another draft.
    4. Ask for student volunteers to share their pieces, or a paragraph from their pieces with the class.

    Homework: Students complete a final draft of their memoirs and may include pictures and illustrations. The final piece will be placed in the students' writing portfolios.

    Content Provider

    The Northern Nevada Writing Project: WritingFix


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