Personal+Narratives+and+Interpreter+of+Maladies

My Senior English curriculum starts with an exploration of identity, values, beliefs, goals, and aspirations through the writing of personal narratives and college essays. As we answer the questions that are on college applications, we also read a variety of short works from //This I Believe//, Story Corps, and short stories by Jumpha Lahari’s collection, //Interpreter of Maladies.//

Through writing loops, discussions, pass around essays, and audio recordings, kids explore their personal beliefs and their academic goals. This unit frequently focuses on pivotal moments so it becomes a kind of story telling unit as well. Students end up going back to family and friends to revisit events, history, and their own childhoods.