Memory+Chain

Brain Starter
 **Word Association**: On a sheet of paper, write the word //computer// and an arrow -->. Now, write the first (appropriate) word that comes into your head. Don't think too much; just write down a word. Then write another arrow --> and write a third word. And a fourth --> word, fifth, sixth... Write a chain of 10 or 15 words.
 * Show and Tell:** What was easy about doing this? What was hard? How did you keep yourself going when you got stuck?

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Enduring Understandings

 * One memory often sparks other memories...
 * ...and we can mine these memories for rich details when we write poems and stories.
 * Hypertext is a great way to publish stories from memories

Essential Question
Why do some memories stay with us while others fade?

Mini-Lesson (with modeling)

 * Memory Chain:** Skip a couple of lines below your Word Association chain. Now we are going to make a memory chain. Instead of writing down the first //word// that comes to mind, you should write the first story from your memories that crosses your mind.
 * Let's start with any object in the room, again. Write that down.
 * Now write the first story from your life that this object reminds you of. Got it? Good. Take a moment to remember a few details about that moment in your life.
 * Draw an arrow, then write the next memory that comes to mind. What does the first memory remind you of? Write that down, and think about it for a second.
 * Draw another arrow, and write down a third memory, one that is sparked -- in whatever crazy or obvious way -- by the second story.
 * Keep going, Spend a few seconds with each memory, then write an arrow and write down another memory.
 * Make a chain of about fifteen memories.

Check for Understanding

 * Show and Tell:** What was easy about doing this? What was hard? Do your memories all connect? Did you surprise yourself in remembering something that you don't usually think about? Which one could you write the most about right now?

Practice

 * Make a chain of 15 or 20 memories**
 * 1) Join or Log in at [|Hypertextopia].
 * 2) Add a new story. Title: Memory Chain (You will change this later.)
 * 3) Double-click on "The Beginning" and replace the title with an object in the room. (This might be or might not be the same as in the paper exercise that we did together.)
 * 4) Save with the green arrow.
 * 5) What story from your life does this object remind you of?
 * 6) Move the cursor across the bottom of the box that you just created, and find the straight-up-and-down, vertical arrow. Drag this arrow out and let go to create another box.
 * 7) In the title box, type the memory/story that the object reminds you of, and save it with the Green arrow.
 * 8) Move the cursor across the bottom of the new box and find the vertical arrow. Create another box, and write another memory in the title of that box.
 * 9) Continue making a "memory chain" of boxes until you get to 15 or 20 boxes.

More instructions will follow to help with these next steps.
 * Next**
 * Re-tell each memory
 * Add an image
 * Add colorful links to "shards"

Wrap Up Share (Assessment)
Add a "tweet" to [|Youth Twitter] about your freewrite. Something like: "Today I started a memory chain...." What new thoughts/memories did you have? Keep it to 140 characters! Tag it and post.

Homework or Independent Practice
Write the story of one of your memories. If you have acces to a computer, do this in Hypertextopia. If not, do it on paper.