Reflecting on Life: Writing a Personal Narrative

Reflecting on Life: Writing a Personal Narrative

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to write a reflective personal narrative on an important event in your life, following a structured process.

What do you already know about reflecting on important events in your life?

Characteristics of a Personal Narrative

1. First-person perspective
2. Descriptive details
3. Emotional reflection
4. Chronological order
5. Personal significance

Stages of Writing

1. Look at examples
2. Brainstorm topics
3. Write a rough draft
4. Edit and revise

Common Topics

1. A life-changing decision
2. Overcoming a fear
3. A memorable travel experience
4. A personal achievement
5. Dealing with loss

Brainstorming

Interactive Activity: Brainstorm personal events and jot down key details and emotions associated with each event.

Writing a Rough Draft

Utilize the collected details and emotions to draft a narrative following the stages discussed.

Editing and Revising

Check for coherence, grammar, and punctuation. Revise for clarity and impact.

Peer Review Checklist

1. Clear and engaging introduction
2. Descriptive details
3. Emotional reflection
4. Chronological order
5. Conclusion with insight

Incorporating Feedback

Consider peer suggestions and make relevant revisions to enhance the narrative's impact.

Final Draft

Polish the narrative based on feedback and produce the final version for assessment.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.