Their Stories, Their Voices

Personal narrative writing has taken a backseat to other forms of writing in the classroom, such as research essays and literary analysis. Kourtney Hake and Paige Timmerman share a step-by-step, build-your-own framework that helps students excel in writing, showing how personal narrative harnesses students’ natural urge to tell stories..

• Approach writing instruction in a scientific way

• Learn how to hold a workshop, allowing student writers to explore and receive feedback

• Take advantage of three-, four-, and five-week unit plans by trying them in their own classrooms

• Use personal narrative in sensitive ways while considering student trauma, diversity of voices, and applicability to all learners

• Help students understand how they can use words to inform others, analyze difficult questions, persuade others to make changes for good and facilitate valuable reflection

Part 1: Introduction to Personal Narrative
Chapter 1: Defining Personal Narrative
Chapter 2: Getting Started With Personal Narrative Writing

Part 2: Introduction to the Units
Chapter 3: Informative Narratives Help Us Send a Message
Chapter 4: Analytical Narratives Help Us Answer Questions
Chapter 5: Persuasive Narratives Help Us Fight for Change
Chapter 6: Reflective Narratives Help Us Reflect On and Share Our Own Experiences

Epilogue
Appendix: Additional Resources for Finding Notebook Prompts
References and Resources