Define memoir for your students. They should understand that a memoir is about their personal life events. It can be an emotional undertaking because it includes the feelings they have about their past experiences. Students need to understand that bringing up memories from the past can be painful. Writing a memoir also requires an explanation for their emotions. Urge your students to think about the ramifications of making their personal memoirs public. Keeping the memoirs private is also an acceptable choice.
Encourage your students to create a journal of meaningful, memorable life events. Instruct them to include both positive and negative episodes. Have them include their past and present emotions surrounding the events. Encourage your students to write, without worrying about grammar or punctuation. Ask them to get as many ideas down on paper as possible. Explain that revisions will come later in the process.
Review your students' work. Be sure each student has adequately elaborated on his or her life experiences. Their emotional reactions will add depth and interest to their writing.
Inspire your students to begin writing their story. Be sure they understand that their memoirs should include formal story elements. Encourage writing in the first person point of view. Having your students create an outline of their story may be helpful. Memoirs must be compelling enough to entice readers.
Analyze each student's memoir. Resolve grammar and punctuation issues. Give helpful suggestions about proofreading and revising. Wording should be expressive and meaningful. Several revisions may be necessary. Students will need encouragement and reassurance during this process.