Tying Memories Together with Knots in My Yo-Yo String

thinkbright22
Sep 18
1 min read

Ever notice how one small memory can take you right back to childhood? The smell of your favorite cereal, the sound of a Saturday morning cartoon, or the feel of sneakers hitting the blacktop—all of it comes rushing back like a knot holding time in place.

That’s exactly the power behind Knots in My Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli, and it’s the inspiration for our newest middle school writing lesson.

Why Students Love It

Middle schoolers connect immediately with Spinelli’s style. His writing captures the “little things” of growing up—clothes, games, food, and everyday moments—that suddenly become big when you pause to remember them. Students quickly realize they have those same “knots” in their own lives: small, vivid details that tie them to their past.

What the Lesson Includes

In this activity, students will:

✨ Read excerpts from Knots in My Yo-Yo String to see how Spinelli builds memory with sensory details.

✨ Brainstorm their own memories using categories like food, shows, activities, and family routines.

✨ Craft their own “knotted” memory paragraphs, practicing grammar and style modeled after Spinelli.

It’s more than just a writing assignment—it’s a chance for students to see themselves as authors, using authentic details to capture their unique stories.