READING THE STUDENT MODEL Tell students that they are going to read an actual student personal narrative about meeting a new friend. Then have volunteers read aloud the model. Ask students to find examples of how they know the writer is describing an event that happened in her life. (She uses I, our, and my.) Point out that the introduction of “Meeting Becca” states the purpose and catches the reader’s attention. Be sure that students understand that the personal narrative is arranged in
chronological order, taking the reader step-by-step through the events leading up to Becca setting a time to meet Ellie again. Explain that because the class assignment was intended for a teacher and other students, it was written in a specific way (casual language used, personal details included, the writer’s feelings expressed). Ask how the writing might have been different had it been intended for a different audience such as parents (more formal language used, focused on more information for adults).
CHAPTER Ellie Magnuson, Ro om
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Meeting Becca
We pulled into the driveway of our ne w house. At the hous next door, a girl wa e s on her bike, riding up and down the str was shy, six years old eet. I , and had only three playmates. Mom tu around from the dr rned iver’s seat. “Ellie, ho w ab out you go see what that girl’s name is? ” I looked out the wi ndow, then shook my Mom stopped the ca head. r, a signal that if I did not get out, I was de meat. Reluctantly, ad I did as I was told. I stood in front of the girl’s path and waite d for her to stop. Mom was watching me. I stuck out my ha nd . “Hi,” I said. She frowned, but sh ook my hand. “Hi,” she said back. “Name’s Ellie.” “Becca.” “OK.” “I’m free tomorrow .” “OK.” “Bye.” “Bye.” Nothing like a perfe ct conversation to get a friendship sta rted.
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TEACHING OPTIONS Scavenger Hunt Challenge students to look through the written material in the classroom to find examples of personal narratives. Be sure that students understand that a personal narrative is not fiction but an account of something that actually happened to the writer.
For Tomorrow Have students find e-mails or letters that include short personal narratives. Tell students to be prepared to share these e-mails or letters with the class and discuss why they are personal narratives. Bring in your own e-mails or letters that include personal narratives to share with the class.
Common Core Standards CCSS.ELA.W.7.9
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