Declaring Identity: Being Jazz (2020)

Lesson 27
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ELA

Unit 11

6th Grade

Lesson 27 of 28

Objective


Craft a strong concluding paragraph and share stories with classmates.

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

For as long as there have been human beings, we have been telling the stories of our lives to one another. Jazz Jennings has made such an impact because of her willingness to share her unique story with the world. When we share the story of our own unique lives, we have the opportunity to connect with those around us and discover that we may not be as strange or different as we once thought.

In this task, you will write about an important experience in your life—one that shows something unique or special about you. It can be a time when you felt different from others in a way that was uncomfortable or difficult, or a time when you felt different from other people and it made you feel proud and special. These will be stories that we will share with one another, so be sure it is something you feel comfortable sharing.

Your short memoir must:

  • Be written in the first person
  • Give the reader a clear sense of who you are (establish a narrative voice)
  • Clearly describe the setting and context for your story
  • Include dialogue
  • Include precise language
  • Include a strong conclusion

Lesson Guidance


  • Provide students with an example of a strong concluding paragraph or standard. Remind students that the conclusion of the story is a way to leave the reader with a sense of resolution and also the larger message you want to share about who you are.
  • Students should have the opportunity to share their stories with a classmate or with the whole class. This is an opportunity to practice speaking clearly and with emphasis (and getting over any anxiety around public speaking). You may want to give an example of an effective presentation of a narrative vs. one that may be less impactful because of volume, eye contact, tone of voice, etc.

Common Core Standards


  • SL.6.4 — Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
  • W.6.1.e — Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented.
  • W.6.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

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Lesson 28
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