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..

This book helps grades 6-12 English language arts teachers:

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

Contents: Introduction

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