Memory Moment
3 - 12
Memory Moment
This strategy will build classroom community, while facilitating creative writing. Each student will need to bring in a picture/photograph to class of something that is special to them. This could be a scene from nature, a family gathering, or a favorite vacation spot; in essence, a picture that evokes a memory. Students will need to be willing to share this photo with a small group of students in the class.
Setting the Stage
Students will gather in small groups of four with their picture, a writing utensil, and a piece of paper.
Steps
1. Each student will write their name at the top of their paper.
2. Each student will pass their picture and their paper to the right.
3. Students will be given 3 minutes max to write words or phrases that come to their mind when they see the picture that was passed to them.
4. The pictures and papers will be passed again to the right.
5. Repeat step 3 for 3 minutes.
6. The pictures will be passed again to the right.
7. Repeat step 3 for 3 minutes.
8. The picture will be passed back to the "owner".
9. The owner of the photo will review everything that was written about their photo.
10. Give writers a designated amount of time to write. This amount of time will vary based on the age and/or stamina of the writers. Students will create their "new" piece using, manipulating, and rearranging the words written by their peers.
11. Students will share their pieces about their personal picture with their writing circle.
When to Use
This would be a great Writing into the Day activity when students are getting to know one another, and building trust with their small writing circle(s). This would also be a great way to spark narrative writing.
About the Videos
These videos capture student reflections written about the Memory Moment experience.