Collecting Memories Homework -- Due November 9
Directions for This Assignment
Your assignment is to collect two or three memories from parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles, or other people in your family who are at least fifteen years older than you.
Ask for memories that haven’t been written out, but should be because they’re
worth passing on.
You could ask these questions to help the people you are interviewing think of special memories:
• What experiences have made you feel really happy or very sad?
• What experiences have been very alarming or really frightening?
• What experiences have made you feel proud of yourself?
• What have been the most difficult tasks you have had to undertake?
• What contests or games have you tried hard to win?
• What experiences have made you feel ashamed of yourself?
• What experiences have made you realize that you truly care about someone?
• What experiences have made you laugh a lot?
• Other types of experiences are okay, too.
⇒ Each memory should be focused on one incident that is significant for some reason.
⇒ Collect as many specific details and pieces of description as you can for each memory. Be as clear as you can about
• the setting: When and where did the experience take place? Collect details that will help the reader feel as if he or she is there.
• the characters: Exactly who was involved? Names, ages, and relationships could be helpful. Collect details that will help the reader feel as if he or she can see these people.
• the sequence of events: How did the experience begin and end? What happened first, second, third?
• the conflict: What was the problem that made this experience interesting?
• the “So what?” or theme: What makes this a memory that’s worth passing on? (Even little, seemingly unimportant memories can have a “So what?” if the person or others learned from it or was affected by it or felt deeply about it.)
Due dates:
Return this sheet, with your notes on the back, by Friday, November 9, for full points plus extra credit. We will start writing up the memories in the computer lab on November 13, so you must have your notes by that day.
November 9 -- Turn in notes for points plus extra credit.
November 13 – Start drafting on the computer.
Points for notes on at least two specific memories: _______/ 20 +5 if handed in by November 9.
Be aware: If you don’t have these ready by November 13, you won’t be ready for that day’s assignment in the computer lab.
