Sharing anecdotes gives students a chance to speak and write confidently about topics of their choice.
Objective: SWBAT tell and, optionally, write an anecdote related to their experiences.
Time: 40 minutes (additional class time can be planned for whole class presentations)
Presentation
Ask students if they enjoy telling stories to their family and friends about things that they have experienced. Explain that these personal stories are called anecdotes. Start the session by telling a few personal anecdotes, of the length you would like to hear from students, on topics that engage them. Suggested topics might be: People–mentors, weird people, old relatives, most terrifying, happiest; Places–worst or best places you went on vacation, hiding places, strangest or most beautiful house; Events–first day at school, moving to a new house, memorable game or holiday.
Production
Tell students that they will work in pairs for this activity. Explain that they will tell an anecdote (related to one of the suggested topics, if the teacher wishes) to their partner. Partners will ask questions about details they don’t understand or need to be clarified. If this is also a writing activity, each student will then write his anecdote in a paragraph. Partners can peer review the paragraphs for grammar and spelling errors. Teachers may then ask students to tell their anecdotes to the class and/or post the paragraphs on the wall for all to read.
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