A six-word story is a concise form of writing that tells a story or makes a statement in just six words. Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway once bet fellow writers he could craft a complete story in only six words. He then wrote on a napkin: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”
Writing six-word statements offers an accessible way for students to express themselves and can be effective for exploring identity and diversity, especially when students are encouraged to reflect on their cultural heritage, experiences, or beliefs.
Sharing these stories can create a sense of community as students learn more about each other in safe and meaningful ways. Six-word stories can be enhanced by pairing the stories with drawings, collages, or photos, which add depth and meaning.
View the lesson reel HERE.
Resources:
Crash Course Six Words — video introduction from Six-Word Memoirs
How Six Words Can Spark Conversation About Race in America — video from The Atlantic
How to Write an Unforgettable Six-Word Story from Masterclass
The Race Card Project (website)
The Race Card Project: Six Word Essays from NPR
This Is Pride in Six Words from the Six-Word Memoirs website
Top Six Words for LGBT Pride from the Six-Word Memoirs website
Honoring MLK’s Legacy In Six Words from the Six-Word Memoirs website
SDAWP Voices 