(approximately 1200 words, 3-5 typed, double-spaced pages) 

Together, we have discussed several works, including Michael Bunn’s “How to Read Like a Writer,”  Caroline Hellman’s “In Defense of the Classroom,” José Olivarez’s “Maybe I Could Save Myself By Writing” (and “Mexican American Disambiguation”), and Perri Klass, “The Influence of A Perfect Teacher” (2021)  in which the authors speak to educational experiences both inside and outside school settings.

Now it is time for you to write your own education narrative. Think of one or more experiences in your life when you learned something important and transformative (you do not have to discuss school specifically). Describe these experiences in detail. What did you learn or conclude, and take with you moving forward?  Who helped you (teacher, parent, mentor) along the way? What were some stumbling blocks (obstacles in your way)?  How did you overcome your challenges?

You will want to fully develop your ideas with rich detail and further explanation, along with at least one connection with the class texts,  integrated with The Quote Sandwich (TM).

Blank Education-Narrative-Outline Form for You

Essay Breakdown & Quote Sandwich Info Powerpoint

Evaluation Criteria Checklist

  • An overarching point about your educational experience(s)
  • Main ideas (one particular event or a series of events) that support your claims
  • Rich details that illustrate your claims and paint a picture for the reader
  • Narrative progression and paragraph sequence that makes sense
  • Clear sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation