Cinnamon Bancroft

OWP – Summer 2010

Book title: My very own room/ Mi propio cuartito written by Amada Irma Pérez

Lesson objective:
Students will write a personal narrative about a time when others have supported/ helped
them to achieve a goal or fulfill a dream.
Alternatively, this could prompt a reflection piece on a time when they have been
resourceful, made do with little, or benefited from others’ resourcefulness.

Teaching connections:
I initially began using this book with students as an example of a personal narrative that
painted home life in a way that resonated with many of my students. The protagonist’s
family home is small, full of love and often feels very full with immediate and extended
family as well as visitors. The family is very resourceful. They are able to solve a
problem and help the girl achieve a dream without spending a lot of money, but by
thinking creatively and working together.

Steps for instruction:

Activate prior knowledge:
Think of a time when others have worked with you to help achieve a goal or fulfill a
dream. Share personal examples. Invite students to pair-share experiences of working
together to achieve a goal.

Read story. As a group, reflect on girl’s experience, what she wished for and why, and
ultimately how her family collaborated and used some creative problem solving to help
her achieve her wishes.

Brainstorm times when you’ve wished to achieve some goal and others have helped you.
Model brainstorming using personal anecdotes.
WHAT?
WHO PROVIDED SUPPORT?
HOW DID (THEY) PROVIDE SUPPORT?

Partner-share brainstormed list.

Independently select one and write personal narrative. Students should reread narrative
to see if they have included the three elements they included on the brainstorm

Partner-share free-write.

On subsequent days, I would return to the story and revisit the story’s introduction and
conclusion, as well as possibly looking at some of the active verbs in place, asking
students to notice strategies the author uses for each of these.
 Cinnamon Bancroft
OWP – Summer 2010
Introductions to narratives:.
This story provides a fine example of an in media res introduction in which the reader is
dropped right into the midst. In doing so, she effectively provides rationale for why the
author craves her own space

Active verbs: Acarreamos muebles, herramientas y máquinas. Arrastramos bolsas bien

repletas de ropa vieja y juguetes. Jalamos cajas con tesoros y demasiadas cosas viejas.
(pg. 283 Calle de la Lectura)

Conclusions to narratives: This story offers a sweet, reflective closing to the narrative.