One way to get to know students while also practicing important writing skills is the use of personal writing. Students write, organize, and reflect, while also sharing something about themselves. In many cases, students find writing about themselves a easier than analyzing literature. (Not always, though, and teachers should also be sensitive to students who do not want to share or write about themselves.)
Because my time feels so short and there are so many things that I need to work with my students on in our time, I often choose personal writing that also serves as an anticipatory activity for a piece of literature or a thematic unit. It works well at any point in the semester, but certain stories lead to more effective get-to-know-you personal writing topics for the start of the year.
Some stories that work well for start-of-the-year and their personal writing tie-ins:
The Time Machine
This is a shorter story, but it includes several elements of science-fiction, and is an early science-fiction story. The story, predating World Wars 1 and 2 can also be an interesting discussion of prediction and history. Students can also write about time travel or a sequel to the Time Traveller’s journeys. (Buy Time Machine Activity Bundle)
Personal Writing: My Personal Time Machine. Students reflect on what they would go back in time to change if they had a time machine. They will reflect on what happened and what would need to be changed to get a different result.
The Metamorphosis
This is a bit of a dense text for a short story, but it’s an interesting one as a common cultural reference and dystopic fiction. Students can examine how Gregor becomes more bug-like in his behavior and compare the life of Gregor’s family before and after his transformation. Students can write their own metamorphosis story or write the report from the poor clerk. It’s also fun to compare with one of the movie versions– what was changed? Read about more Metamorphosis Activities. (Buy The Metamorphosis Activity Bundle)
Personal Writing: Personal Metamorphosis Project. Secondary students are in a state of change. They may also draw from an event earlier in their lives. They’ll reflect on how they– or someone in their life– changed and the impact that had.
The Monkey’s Paw
This short story is a darkly fun read, as the wishes are granted in horrific ways. It’s a cultural reference, but also a discussion on the idea that getting wishes granted is ‘bad.’ Contrast with the wishes in the original Aladdin story, for example, as a study on 3 Wishes. Students enjoy comparing the story to the movie or one of the TV adaptations, such as the Simpsons Treehouse of Horror. Read about more Monkey’s Paw Activities. (Buy Monkey’s Paw Activity Bundle)
Personal Writing: It Didn’t Work Out is the theme for the Monkey’s Paw Personal Writing activity. Students reflect on a time something didn’t work out as expected or hope. They reflect on the outcome. Good first writing sample or engage with a multimedia project.
To Build a Fire
This is a very short story, but it’s very vivid and impactful. Students can explore the point of view and write their own from a different point of view. Another project is to write an alternate ending, perhaps if the man had listened to the advice he was given. Students might write an obituary or make a gravestone for the character. (Buy To Build a Fire Activity Bundle)
Personal Writing: Unheeded Advice is the theme for the To Build a Fire Personal Writing. Students will reflect on a time when they (or someone they know) didn’t listen to advice they were given. They will share the outcome and reflect on the impact of that outcome.
At the start of the year I like to use a scaffolded approach to writing. I feel it gives me an insight into where students are coming from with their writing ability and interests. All of my Personal Writing activities (linked above) use similar materials that walk through the writing process step-by-step for that purpose.
The beginning of the year or semester is such an exciting time of building a new classroom experience, setting the tone and expectations. A great short story and personal writing can be a valuable part of that process.
It’s all good.