Here is the list of criteria we came up with for the literacy narrative.  I will use these to help form peer workshop handouts and also in grading.

A literacy narrative should:

  • Have clear organization – this means a beginning, middle, and end, and also that the organization is logical
  • Include the significance of event, literacy sponsor, or person that the narrative is about.
  • Include description so that the reader can visualize the story.
  • Have lots of vivid details, and include various senses when appropriate.
  • Have a clear setting (time/tense/location).
  • Have clear direction/a thesis early on (or perhaps at the end as a reflection like in Douglass’ piece).
  • Focus on a literacy or the author’s development of a particular literacy.
  • Consider including dialogue if appropriate.
  • Consider the audience – who are you writing to and how does this effect the writing