Teaching Powerful Personal Narratives: Strategies for College Applications and High School Classrooms (Maupin House)

Every year, high school English teachers are bombarded with requests for advice on how to write successful college application essays. Often, they wonder if they are really offering the most effective assistance.

Mary Jane Reed divides the components of good narrative writing into chapters (such as beginning the process, voice, the importance of details, and revision) that teachers can use a la carte to develop the skills that students need. She also provides (on the included CD) handouts and transparencies that will help teachers help students write essays that will get them into the schools of their choice.

The information presented here is a vitamin shot, a supplement to promote the health of narrative writing in the classroom. Much of the information is tailored specifically for teachers with students who are working on college-application essays, but all of it can be customized to help any student with their narrative writing.