This morning at the beginning of class, we will examine the literacy narrative that you read for today, “The Day Language Came into My Life,” which is the fourth chapter of Helen Keller’s autobiography, The Story of My Life.
Together, Sedaris‘s essay and Keller’s chapter demonstrate two vastly different ways to present a literacy narrative. “Me Talk Pretty One Day” offers a quirky look at the challenges of learning French from a sarcastic, soul-crushing instructor. Keller’s story poignantly recounts learning to make meaning of the world through sign language.
After we discuss Keller’s chapter, you will begin planning and drafting your first essay assignment, a literacy narrative: an account of a learning experience involving reading, writing, or learning to speak a language.
Directions
Begin by asking yourself this question: What were some of my most formative experiences as a reader, a writer, or a language learner? Freewrite on those, then choose one to bring to life. Your aim is to recreate your experience on the page and reflect on its significance. Your focus may be any one of the following:
- A memory of a reading or writing assignment that you recall vividly
- Someone who helped you learn to read or write
- A writing-related school event that you found humorous or embarrassing
- A particular type of writing that you found (or still find) challenging
- A memento that represents an important moment in your development as a reader or writer
- Learning a second language
Your literacy narrative should be a well-told story that includes these elements:
- Vivid detail
- Some indication of the narrative’s significance
- A minimum of 600 words
- A title that offers a window into your essay (It should not be titled “Literacy Narrative.”)
Detailed instructions are included in the assignment handout that you will receive in class today. An additional copy is posted on Blackboard in the essay assignments folder.
Next Up
Wordplay Day! To prepare for class, review the Dictionary and World Builder pages on the Scrabble website or Merriam-Webster’s Scrabble Word Finder page. Also, review your journal notes on the game and the blog posts devoted to Scrabble.
Jane Lucas 