No matter how old we become, each of us always thinks back to the time when we were little and the place where we were raised. So many rich memories — some happy, some very sad — are tied to our childhood homes and the people we lived with. Often, at the beginning of a new term, I will read with my students some of the short chapters from Sandra Cisneros’ ”The House on Mango Street,” a novel of a young girl growing up in the Latino section of Chicago because it captures childhood so well. Often, when I get a new class of students, the idea of writing about early homes is a wonderful way for each of us to talk about the things that were important to us as children and for us to get to learn more about each other. So here is today’s prompt:
DESCRIBE THE HOME WHERE YOU LIVED AS A CHILD
Write a good description so that we can see where you live
Where was your first home? (Give city or province and country)
Was your home big or small?
Was it crowded or spacious?
Where did you sleep?
Can you remember the smells?
Can you remember the sounds you heard in your home and the sounds outside your door or window?
What did you see from your window or door?
Can you remember the food you ate as a child?
Who lived in your home? Describe the people.
Was it quiet or noisy?
Were you happy or sad in that home?
Were there pictures on the wall?
What colors were the walls?
Were there plants or animals in your home?
What was the floor like?
What was your favorite space or room?
What were your favorite possessions as a child?
Did you sleep in your own bed or with someone else?
Were there books or music in your home? If so, what kind?
Who lived in the home next to yours?
Think of your five senses to describe your childhood home – smell, taste, touch, sight, sounds.
I am sure you can still today remember the smells.
If you wish, you are also welcome to draw a scene from your home.
Please share your home memories with us.

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