For Teachers and Students

From MemoryArchive

Introduction

Memoryarchive is interested in developing features specifically designed for use in educational settings. This page has some ideas for how MemoryArchive can be used in Elementary, Junior High and High School classrooms as a part of History, Social Studies or Creative Writing classes. Because MemoryArchive is always changing and our collection of memoirs is expanding, check the site often for new ideas and uses.

FAQ for Adding Memoirs

• Question: How do I add a memoir? Answer: On the main page there is a box in which you type the event, the date of the event and the writer's (usually your) name, click the "add new memoir" button below and you're on your way! If you need more direction go to the help link located on most pages. We do suggest that you write a draft offline, save it, and then paste the completed memoir onto the site so that you don't lose your work.
• Question: What kinds of memories make good MemoryArchive memoirs? Answer: We are interested in collecting all sorts of memories from all sorts of people across the globe.The only requirement we have is that the memory is somehow historical or at least would be of interest to other people. The best memoirs are well written and detailed, but beyond that any topic of historical importance is game. (Anything from the Red Sox winning the World Series to the time you shook President Bush's hand) We suggest that you write a draft offline and then paste the completed memoir onto the site. We are looking for first person accounts of events, so all the memoirs on the site are from within a century previous to the date MemoryArchive.org was created.
• Question: Who can submit a memoir? Answer: Anyone anywhere can submit a memoir. There is no age requirement, but we do prefer grammatically correct and complete memoirs. Just as we have categories grouping memoirs with similar subjects together, if your class wants to group their memoirs together they can make a category such as "Mr.T's Class" using the same steps as you would to put your memoir under a category like "The White House" or "Baseball"
• Question: What should I avoid putting in my memoir? Answer: Carefully consider any personal information you write in your memoir, keeping in mind that the memoirs are public. Also, please try to be considerate in the kinds of words and statements you write. What you say represents you to anyone who reads your memoir so consider what sort of impression you want to leave. If you are uncomfortable putting your name in the title of your memoir, consider putting a shortened version of your name like "Tom" or "T.D.W." We may remove any memoirs that do not fit with the standards of courtesy and quality we ask of you and you are free to edit or add on to your memoir if you need to.

Assignment Ideas

• Have students write a memoir of a recent event.
• Have students write a memoir of a common event (that is, one they all experienced) and compare the results.
• Have students interview their parents or grandparents about an event and post it on MemoryArchive.
• Have students read and compare memoirs of the same event.
• Have students recruit others to write memoirs.
• Have students create a "time capsule" of memoirs.