For the month of March, each day I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers.
Slice of Life #23: Day 16/31:
Rambling Autobiography
You may be familiar with Linda Rief's writing prompt of the Rambling Autobiography. She suggests to write as quickly as you can for two to three minutes. Here's a bit of mine...
I was born in the mid 1970s, a time when bell bottoms and high-waist jeans were in. I often wore my brother and sister's hand-me-down clothes, or my mom sewed dresses for me. I had clothes designated for play, for school, and for church. My neighbor Andrea and I often covered the sidewalks with colored chalk, biked down to the community pool (without adult supervision), and played Ghosts in the Graveyard in the park across the street. One of my childhood bedrooms had one orange wall, three white walls, and blue carpeting. It was perfect for a rainbow themed room. My favorite activity was roller skating; I forever had holes in the knees of my pants for all of the times I wiped out. Our golden retriever, Sandy, was named after the dog in the movie Annie. On weekends, sometimes our family watched a movie in the family room. Mom would lay out a plastic checkered tablecloth on the carpeting, and we had a popcorn and cheese picnic. In fifth grade I made a small quilt for a 4-H project. Later, when I was in high school, I made a twin sized quilt. In sixth grade I wrote a novel on an electric typewriter. I went to church camp most summers and later worked at the same camp as a summer job. In ninth grade a poem I wrote was published in a magazine. I played the piano in elementary school and later the flute for nine years. As an adult, I regret that I didn't continue to play piano or flute. Maybe some day I will pick it up again. I am a teacher who writes. At 46, I am still learning how to write. I am still learning how to teach writers.
Have you ever tried writing a rambling autobiography? If you are looking for a great writing resource to use with students, try The Quickwrite Handbook. It's wonderful. I just realized that Linda Rief has a new book out - Whispering in the Wind. Has anyone read this?
I didn't know about this book, but I have seen her present on the project. Glad you shared!
ReplyDeleteThis post was an expensive stop for me. But I can't wait for Saturday when Whispering in the Wind will arrive on my doorstep.
ReplyDeleteI love the plastic checkered tablecloth for a family room picnic of popcorn and cheese! And Quickwrites was a staple in my classroom. I've resisted the call to buy her updated version.
That was me!
DeleteI have older versions of her books, too. I am still debating if I should order her new book too! I do love all things Linda Rief!
DeleteBack around 1991 I learned to write a Random Autobiography, similar to the rambling one, but a poem format. I taught students the form many times and loved reading their responses. I learned a lot about you in this stream of consciousness ramble. I imagine it’s a great way to get to know students. I can hear their voices sharing w/ one another.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe that you have such a vivid recollection of childhood, filled with many positive memories. Thanks for providing a book link - will check it out. Heidi (wordsmithing blog)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you brought back the rambling autobiography! Thanks for these details that really illustrate your childhood scenes.
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