Timeline Activity

I know we were a little rushed towards the end of class, so I wanted to make sure everyone got a clear sense of the directions for the pre-writing exercise.

Timeline Activity

• To help you get started brainstorming, I would like you to take out a blank sheet of paper and turn it sideways. On the left side of the paper, write your date of birth. On the far, right side of the paper, write today’s date. Fill in the space between with key events from your life, including any important people or places. Remember to include the smaller, more subtle moments in addition to the "big ones."
• Pick ONE event/experience and begin a new timeline. Think of everything leading up to/from that moment, and trace it along the timeline.
• Now, under each entry on your timeline, jot down as many adjectives (descriptive words) you can think of that would help bring that experience to life. Concentrate, especially, on those words that help appeal to your senses (touch, taste, hear, smell, sight).
• Step back and look at your life as a timeline. What insight can your life reveal? What lessons would you like others to learn from your life? What lessons have you learned yourself? These are some questions you can ask to help you come up with your overall point.
• Now, for class on Monday, bring with you one object (photo, clothing, jewelry, stuffed animal, etc) that might help invoke the memory of the event you have chosen. You will use this to assist you in continuing to develop your topic.

Also, the narrative essay assignment details are now uploaded to the Course Content section in Blackboard.