Reflecting Writing Prompt

Reflecting Writing Prompt/Freewrite

1.) Begin by looking closely at the pictures in front of you. Then, write 5-7 sentences describing the moment that was captured. The descriptions should be sensory and concrete. a. BE DESCRIPTIVE. b. Be specific. For example, if you are writing about your grandmother’s death, don’t write “My grandmother died when I was sixteen.” Instead, look for an anchor, a specific memory, an object, a focal point.

Example: You might want to write: I learned how to Scuba Dive in a pool, it was fun.

Instead write: We trained, not in a pool, but in a warm pond with no visibility. My first experience with a scuba tank and mask took place in muddy darkness.

Now you write~ In your writer’s notebook, title each paragraph “photo 1” etc.

2.) After writing your short paragraph about the three incidents, pick one of them and answer the following questions for yourself. On a separate sheet of paper, use these questions as a way into reflective thinking:

PHOTO CHOSEN: ______

1. Details: a. How old was I when this happened? b. Where and when did this event occur? c. Describe the setting in detail. d. Make a list of memorable sights, smells, sounds, and tastes. e. What was the significance of this event to me at that age? f. What about other people present? How are they involved?

2. Reflective Thoughts a. Why did I remember or choose this event to write about? b. Were there aspects of the moment that I didn’t understand then or that I understand differently now? Explain. c. How has my perspective on it changed? d. How would others present at that time see this event today?

3. Looking Forward a. Will this event continue to affect me? b. How has writing about it already affected me? c. How might I, or others, look back on this event in the distant future? d. How/What can someone who wasn’t there learn from my experience?

4. HESITATION a. What hesitations (reasons to not write) do I have in writing about this event? Try to think of at least two reasons.