Writer’s Workshop

Flashback to the past and Flash-forward to the future

Objective:
• Demonstrate competence in written language.
• Demonstrate effective communication using a variety of strategies.
• Be able to use the strategies of personal narrative writing and using the
strategy of flashback in a personal narrative.

Strategies for Personal Narrative Writing

*Think of a person who matters to you. Then list clear, small moments you remember about him or
her. Choose one moment and then write the story.
*Think of a place that matters to you. Then list clear, small moments you remember there. Choose
one moment and write the story.

Qualities of Personal Narrative Writing

*Write a little seed idea; don’t write about a GIANT watermelon topic.
*Zoom in to tell the most important parts of the story.
*Include the true exact details from the movie in your head.
*Begin with a strong lead: actions, setting, dialogue, or a combination that creates a mood.
*Using time from the past or the future to enhance meaning.

Materials/Resources:

-Sweet, Sweet Memory by Jacqueline Morrison

-Timeline of Sweet, Sweet Memory-noting the differences in time
-Students need current draft outside of notebooks
-Students need Writer’s Notebooks
-Teacher’s current draft of writing piece

Pre-Assessment:
Students have completed two personal narratives during September and October.
After grading the second small moment piece using the 5th grade level rubric,
lessons were based according to the areas that identified concerns. These
categories are word choice, details, and meaning. (During the unit, the morning
class expressed a desire to learn how to write flashbacks, several students are
attempting them on their own.)

Engage: “As you know in the last few weeks several writers have mentioned
wanting to learn the technique of how to write flashbacks. That day has arrived!
Today we are going to look at the book Sweet, Sweet Memory which uses all the
qualities of personal narrative writing, and includes flashbacks and flash forwards.
Today as writer’s we are going to focus on changes in time-either moving backward
or moving forward. As a writer today you will learn how to take the character (aka
you) and travel through time and place by remembering or fantasizing.”

Elaborate: Read the text Sweet, Sweet Memory while time lining the book making
a point to show and explain to the writer’s where time moves away from the
present either forward or backward.

Explore: Use teacher work to show how you have used one of the techniques either
forward or backward in your own writing.

“Writers, you have looked at the text Sweet, Sweet Memory today. What do you
believe this writer has taught you today? How can you apply it to your own
writing?” (Allow time for all students to share.)

“Now it is your turn to try this technique. In your WNB, please put today’s date
and title the page “Moving in Time for the piece ________.” Today I want you to
try this technique with your current draft. Read through the piece; determine
where you believe a flash-forward or backward will help create a mental picture
for the reader. Write the flash-forward or flashback in your notebook. I have
appointments with _______ today. Is there anyone else who would like to make an
appointment with me? I will try to meet with you after I meet with the others.”

“Now go write long and strong.”

CONFERRING TIME

Connect:. Allow students a chance to share their revisions, and receive feedback
from peers and/or teacher in a sharing circle.