Creating a Memoir

As you all may know, I am in Middle Level Match Education. Although I am math concentrated, this major requires future teachers to take all the subject areas that “middlers” learn, including science, social studies, reading, and writing. Currently, I am taking a language arts class that focus’ on teaching language arts using technology. This class is probably the most important class for me, as a struggle with writing and technology. One of our assignments is to create a memoir. We have to pick an event that has happened in our lives and write about it using the six characteristics of writing. We also have to create a digital example of this event using VoiceThread. For me, coming up with a topic has proven most challenging. I am having a difficult time deciding on a story that is light-hearted, yet interesting. I started brainstorming a few ideas and this is what I have considered.

My first idea was to write about how I had a pet slug when I was young and how devastated I was when my sister killed it. Although this could be fun to write about, I don’t think I could come up with enough information to make it as interesting as anticipated. My second thought was writing about my pet cat, Cuddles, who would follow my sister and I to the bus stop everyday, and be there at 3:20 to pick us up every afternoon. I loved Cuddles, but, once again, I don’t think I could elaborate enough to make it an interesting read. I thought about a few other topics, but each one posed the same problem.

I finally decided that I would have to write about my mom. When we first got this assignment, I knew I would probably end up writing about her, but I really wanted to avoid this topic because it is a bit depressing. However, it is the best candidate for an interesting story. Growing up, I never had an ideal childhood. My mother and father were both “sick” and I was exposed to things that a child should never witness. Even though my childhood was troubling, my experiences have molded me into the motivated, driven, and independent adult I am today. I believe that by overcoming my past, I have become a much stronger person. Although I have concerns about sharing my story with my peers, I feel it will be beneficial for me to express myself and for others to get an understanding of where I’m from.

To create my digital story, I tried using VoiceThread. I added a few pictures to help tell my story, but I have a lot more to do before I am finished. I am considering using a different tool, but for now, click here for a rough draft.