Examples and Anecdotes

Examples and Anecdotes Grade Level: 5-6 Teacher Guidelines Instructional Pages Activity Page Practice Page Homework Page Answer Key pages 1 2 pages 3 5 pages 6 page 7 page 8 page 9

Classroom Procedure: 1. Open the lesson by sharing a fact (Earth is a round planet) with the students, an example (most planets are round, like Mars and Venus), and an anecdote (many years ago, people thought the Earth was flat, people on ships believed they would fall off the edge ). Ask students: What is the difference between the information I shared about planets (or another topic)? 2. Allow for responses and discussion. Help students become aware there are 3 examples of shared information taking place. Ask again, if they can identify the differences. 3. Allow for responses and discussion. Display the words: fact, example, anecdote. Ask students if they can label each type of information shared. Introduce examples and anecdotes. 4. Distribute Examples and Anecdotes content pages. Read and review the information with the students. During the content reading, ask students to share an anecdote about a dog. 5. It is important to stress the problem of using anecdotes as factual evidence. Explain by citing examples from the Internet or other media sources. Allow students to share favorite anecdotes during the lesson closing. Use the additional resources to enhance understanding. 6. Distribute Activity page. Carefully read and review the instructions. Pair students. Distribute scissors and containers for anecdote topics. Allow students sufficient time to complete the activity. 7. Once students have shared anecdotes, and have chosen the best in each category, the student pairs will share. Approximate Grade Level: 5 6 Objectives: The students will be able to define and identify examples and anecdotes, use them with their writing, and explain problems with using anecdotes. Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3 Class Sessions (45 minutes): At least 2 class sessions. Teaching Materials/Worksheets: Examples and Anecdotes content pages (2), Activity pages (2), Practice page, Homework page Student Supplies: Scissors, containers, handouts Prepare Ahead of Time: Opening lesson prep. Pair students for activity. Containers for anecdote topics. Copy handouts. Options for Lesson: Students may work in larger groups for the activity. Add anecdote topics for the activity. Use current reading content for students to identify anecdotes, examples, and facts. Plan an Anecdote Day, every hour student volunteers share an anecdote about a different topic. Invite parents in during the day to share anecdotes, funny and otherwise, about work, growing up, etc. Create a classroom booklet: Anecdotes by, with each student sharing an anecdote for publication. Assign students to write a story which must include an anecdote. Schedule an Anecdote Share-Off students try to outdo each other using imaginary anecdotes. 8. The entire class then votes for the overall best from each category. 9. Distribute Practice page. Check and review the students responses. 1

10. Distribute the Homework page. The next day, allow students to share the anecdotes from family or friends. 11. In closing, allow students to: Share a favorite anecdote from a friend or family member. 12. Allow for responses and discussion. The teacher may also suggest random topics for students to share a related anecdote. 2

Teacher Notes The lesson introduces students to examples and anecdotes, using them for their writing, and identifying them in text and content. In addition, the problems with anecdotes are discussed, especially when anecdotal evidence is used instead of facts about a claim or situation. Popular media, the Internet, and other sources use anecdotes and examples regularly, and students need to be aware of their use. It is recommended current events and stories be used to help students identify anecdote use. Additional Resources: CONTENT: https://literarydevices.net/anecdote/ http://www.k12reader.com/term/9984/ http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-anecdotes.html http://www.englishworks.com.au/writing-anecdotes-real-life-examples/ http://grammar.about.com/od/ab/g/anecdoteterm.htm http://www.insideout.net/new/resources/anecdote-activities WORKSHEETS: http://www.onestopenglish.com/community/lesson-share/pdf-content/speaking/telling-an-anecdote-lessonplan/552697.article https://elastars.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/lesson-4-analyzing-key-ideas-in-text.pdf http://www.eltbase.com/vtr_refs.php?id=397 http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/exams/speaking-exams/tell-story-or-personal-anecdote https://en.islcollective.com/resources/search_ result?tags=anecdote&searchworksheet=go&type=printables VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pc1jsod0ns (8 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_la4gqe4m8 (4 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpz5ql53ksk (6 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5zskwqkt4e (1 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec9l3n3apoc (10 min-narration only) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjwxajljptu (10 min-problems of ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16e-4avtdde (9 min-problems of ) 3

Examples and Anecdotes Can You Believe It? One day when I was a little girl, I was walking home from school all alone and this German Shepherd dog came running towards me. It seemed huge to me and I was scared. It was barking loudly, and I thought it was going to bite me. Before I could run, its front paws were suddenly resting on my shoulders and I was staring into his dark brown eyes. The dog continued to bark as I stood as still as possible. Finally, someone must have called the dog away because a minute later I was again alone. Ever since that day, I have been afraid of most dogs, and that is why I will only have a cat for a pet. [Image: mean dog/girl] You could probably imagine in your mind how the little girl felt in the story. It is obvious the experience influenced her life, and you could easily see why she may not like dogs and would rather own a cat. Has a friend or relative ever shared a brief story with you about an incident or episode in their life? Have you ever shared an event about something that has happened in your life? Most likely, the answer is Yes to both questions. Many people share short and brief or stories from their lives. The short stories are called anecdotes. Anecdotes are short and interesting stories, which can be amusing, serious, sad, or otherwise. They are used to support or demonstrate a point to the listener or reader. The listener or reader may think more deeply on the topic presented in the anecdote. Anecdotes often help bring attention to a topic. Facts, Examples, and Anecdotes After reading the story, can you say it is a fact that all German Shepherds will attack little girls? The answer is No. Anecdotes are not facts. Facts can be proven. Of course, the girl in the story above may believe it is a fact that German Shepherds and all dogs will attack little girls. However, it is not a fact. There are many people throughout the world who own dogs as pets, and they are not attacked. The only fact in the above story is that this specific girl was scared by the German Shepherd.[Image: friendly dog] The story is an anecdote about her personal experience. The same experience most likely did not happen to every little girl in her neighborhood or town. Anecdotes are usually personal. As you have been reading this page, you may be thinking of a story about a time when you came across a dog and became scared. If the teacher called on you and asked you to tell the story, you would be sharing 4

your anecdote about a dog. It would be your personal story. All the different anecdotes from you and your classmates would become examples of kids being afraid of dogs. Examples include things with similar characteristics. Examples of dogs are German Shepherds, beagles, golden retrievers, poodles, and many others. In addition, there may be examples of the dogs scaring little kids. However, it is still not a fact that dogs always attack little kids. Review the chart to help learn the differences between facts, examples, and anecdotes: Facts Examples Anecdotes Meaning: Must be proven with evidence to support it. Includes similar characteristics. Brief story or scene taken from a personal experience. Most people can share an anecdote about a topic. Sample: Kids attend school in Kindergarten. Noah, Emily, Anne, my cousin, my sister, and I attended Kindergarten. My name is Noah and I was excited on my first day of Kindergarten. My Dad drove me to the school, and guess what we showed up a day early. No one was at the school. It is a fact that kids attend Kindergarten, and there are examples of many kids who attend, and each kid could probably share their personal experience as an anecdote just like Noah. Use and Purpose of Anecdotes Tips for Writing Anecdotes Make them relatable, dramatic, colorful, humorous, emotional Real-life based on ordinary experiences, meaningful Descriptive, comes to life, unique, and interesting Facts and examples are used often, especially when you are learning about a new topic or subject at school. There are many facts to learn about in history, science, and other subjects; and each subject will include examples to help you learn the facts. Anecdotes, however, can be used everywhere too. Anecdotes can be used: At the beginning of a speech to capture an audience s attention and interest. For example: A speech about safe driving may include an anecdote about an accident caused by texting. 5

For a student s essay related to the dangers of smoking. The student tells an anecdote about a person who has cancer. During a class conversation about vacations. A few students may share vacation anecdotes. The purpose of anecdotes may bring joy to people, making them laugh or brightening their day. People use them to reminisce about the past and tell brief stories about a favorite memory. Anecdotes can be used to inspire a group of people, such as a speaker sharing a story about a heroic person. There are endless uses and purposes for anecdotes. One final thought about anecdotes: They should not be used the same as you use facts. Though there are many anecdotes about dogs scaring kids, most dogs do not scare children. Unfortunately, many speakers and writers will use anecdotes as facts to either scare people or to change opinions. Anecdotal evidence is based on personal observations and may not be factual. Overall, anecdotes are useful when you are writing and speaking, and people enjoy hearing them. Share a favorite anecdote from a friend or family member. Name a few simple machines you enjoy using, or do not like to use? Tell why? 6

Activity Name Date Instructions 1. Work cooperatively with your partner. 2. Cut apart each of the Anecdote Topics. 3. Fold them and place them in the container provided by your teacher. 4. Take turns choosing the topics and briefly respond sharing a related anecdote with your partner. 5. You will be given a set amount of time by the teacher for the anecdote sharing. 6. Once the time has expired, think about the anecdote that was the: a. Funniest b. Most interesting c. Saddest d. Strangest e. Most unbelievable 7. For each of the categories above, you will share it with the class. 8. Once all student partners have shared from each category, the class will vote for their favorite from each category. Something that scared you when you were younger. Something that happened when you were on vacation or away from home. Something embarrassing that happened to you. 7

A time that you became very angry with someone. A time you got in trouble at home and suffered consequences. A time that started off badly but ended up well in the end. The best time you ever had with family or friends. A time when you thought you were lucky. The worst kind of weather you ever experienced. An anecdote related to any type of animal. 8

Practice Name Date Tell whether each statement is related to Anecdotes (A), Examples (E), or Facts (F) 1 I sat in the Sun for two full hours and did not get a sunburn or a sun tan. 2 The Earth is the third planet about 93 million miles from the Sun. 3 My brother s friend ate enough food in one day that I usually eat in a week. 4 Animals with tails may include dogs, cats, horses, pigs, hamsters, and squirrels. 5 A dog down the street from my home has only three legs but runs like it has four legs. 6 A brief story that is personal, interesting, and may be humorous, serious or otherwise. 7 There are 50 states in America and two of them are not joined by land to the other 48. 8 I once waited for the bus for one hour, and when it finally showed up I was back in bed. 9 My Dad was surprised when he had to pay for the 4 sodas I drank during dinner. 10 There are several coins used in the U.S., including the penny, nickel, dime, and quarter. 11 During the first Thanksgiving, the Native Americans and Colonists told tales to each other. 12 There was a wide variety of choices on the menu: beef, fish, chicken, pork, and veggies. 13 They are proven and supported by evidence. 14 I spent the night at my friend s home and discovered it was haunted. I was awake all night. 15 Sedans, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and trains are types of transportation. Answer each question 16. A teacher wants to teach students about NASA s past explorations to space. Should the teacher use anecdotes, examples, or facts in the classroom? 17. A parent wants to teach a teenager about the consequences about not following rules. Should the parent use an anecdote, example, or fact? 18. For a writing assignment, the class must write their autobiographies. Is it best for them to use anecdotes, examples, or facts? 19. What is the problem with anecdotal evidence? 9

Homework Name Date Ask 5 different people to share an anecdote about their life. It can be any appropriate topic. Briefly summarize the anecdotes. Include 1 st name and circle family or friend. Identify five examples when the use of anecdotes would be helpful: 10

Practice Name Answer Key Date Tell whether each statement is related to Anecdotes (A), Examples (E), or Facts (F) 1 A I sat in the Sun for two full hours and did not get a sunburn or a sun tan. 2 F The Earth is the third planet about 93 million miles from the Sun. 3 A My brother s friend ate enough food in one day that I usually eat in a week. 4 E Animals with tails may include dogs, cats, horses, pigs, hamsters, and squirrels. 5 A A dog down the street from my home has only three legs but runs like it has four legs. 6 A A brief story that is personal, interesting, and may be humorous, serious or otherwise. 7 F There are 50 states in America and two of them are not joined by land to the other 48. 8 A I once waited for the bus for one hour, and when it finally showed up I was back in bed. 9 F My Dad was surprised when he had to pay for the 4 sodas I drank during dinner. 10 E There are several coins used in the U.S., including the penny, nickel, dime, and quarter. 11 A During the first Thanksgiving, the Native Americans and Colonists told tales to each other. 12 E There was a wide variety of choices on the menu: beef, fish, chicken, pork, and veggies. 13 F They are proven and supported by evidence. 14 A I spent the night at my friend s home and discovered it was haunted. I was awake all night. 15 E Sedans, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and trains are types of transportation. Answer each question 16. A teacher wants to teach students about NASA s past explorations to space. Should the teacher use anecdotes, examples, or facts in the classroom? Facts and examples 17. A parent wants to teach a teenager about the consequences about not following rules. Should the parent use an anecdote, example, or fact? Anecdote 18. For a writing assignment, the class must write their autobiographies. Is it best for them to use anecdotes, examples, or facts? Anecdotes, examples, and facts 19. What is the problem with anecdotal evidence? It is not based on observations and is usually not based on facts. It is used to scare people or change opinions. 11

Homework Name Answer Key Date Ask 5 different people to share an anecdote about their life. It can be any appropriate topic. Briefly summarize the anecdotes. Include 1 st name and circle family or friend. Identify five examples when the use of anecdotes would be helpful: (will vary) During a speech, inspire others, teach a lesson, conversation, family get-togethers, grandparents telling stories about the past, etc. 12