Journal Due; Choosing a Draft; Semester Reflection; Tears of a Tiger

Please turn in your writing journal today during class (Jan. 18).

Lately, we've written the following story drafts:

• The Proverb Story (a story or non-fiction essay using a proverb)
• The Speak Story (a story or non-fiction essay based on one of the prompts from the book Speak)
• 3 non-linked short story drafts

That's 5 different stories. Some true (nonfiction) some fictional. Look over your drafts and choose 1 story that you wrote that you would like to share with the class. Prepare to read it out loud to class on Friday (Jan. 26). Like all performances, read over your work out loud a few times to practice it. You will have a few minutes next Friday to practice as well. 

For now, though, after you have chosen your draft (and printed it), let's reflect on the semester. You will have today's class and Ms. Gamzon's class tomorrow to complete your portfolio reflection.

MIDTERM PORTFOLIO

There are two (2) parts to your midterm portfolio:

A. A 2-3 page, double-spaced, typed self evaluation essay (about 500-750 words)
B. Your 1st semester drafts of all your CW class assignments (poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and scripts only). There is no need to put homework assignments, worksheets, or projects (like human interest films, powerpoint poetry or presentations) in your portfolio. You may refer to these things in your reflection. Most pieces are already in your portfolio.

Part A. Self Evaluation Essay (see details below)

Part B. Portfolio

Self Reflection Non Fiction - Creative Essay:
During your freshman year, we have thrown quite a bit of information, projects, and assignments your way. We did this so that you had the opportunity to grow as a writer and a student.

It is true that the most important qualification for writers is that they write. Apart from this, reading is also the most important way to improve your writing at this stage of your development and education. These introductory courses are designed to get you to know yourself as a student and writer a little better, and we're going to continue that trend into the second semester.

Reflective piece: 2-3 pages, double-spaced. Answer some of these questions:

• Write about how you’ve grown as a writer so far this year by taking Ms. Gamzon or my classes. 
• Reflect on what has been easy or hard for you as a student and/or as a writer. 
• Comment on what areas you feel you need more work in; 
• Reflect on your progress as a writer, a reader, and as a student. 
• Discuss the work you have done so far in our classes. 
• What have you learned (about yourself or about the craft and art of writing) from writing these projects or drafts? 
• Comment on the value of Performance, Word, and Text and Grammar & Style.
• Comment on the value of keeping a writing journal. 
• Respond to the books you have read in Creative Writing and compare those to what you have read in your English classes. 
• Comment on your progress with grammar & writing in different genres or formats.
• What have you learned?

Finally, give yourself at least 1 writing goal for the second semester. You may give yourself more than one goal if you'd like.

During second period, we will get our next novel: Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper. This is an epistolary novel made up of various journals, letters, news articles, poems, and transcripts. Of course, it is also a coming of age novel. We're reading this for its form as much as its content or style. Aim to complete the reading of this novel by next Friday--that's a quick turn around, but the book moves quickly. We'll get started reading it during class.

REMEMBER: The Coming of Age Story or Bildungsroman has 4 Stages:

REALIZATION -- changing, emotional and mental preparation, growing, physical changes

REMOVAL -- change of status quo or familiar environment; separation from support units (family, friends, social institutions), experimentation with "forbidden" issues/activities--testing the limits of support units/social institutions, breaking rules/laws or beliefs, etc.

CHALLENGE --- proving oneself; overcome a major problem or resolve a major conflict (killing the boss monster, growing mature, taking on responsibility, etc.)

REINTEGRATION - protagonist comes back into society; character undergoes a rebirth, new status, or new understanding or epiphany of his/her situation.

Nine Characteristics of a Coming of Age experience or story

1. Usually, the protagonist is between the ages of 12-18 but can be younger
2. Adults are either "bad guys" or not important--they represent society or laws or rules--the natural order of things; in some stories a parent is missing, absent, or dead. Authority figures are often antagonists to the protagonist. (see below)
3. Usually involves a journey of some sort (this can by a physical, mental, or spiritual journey)
4. Protagonist must confront his/her fears or weaknesses
5. Conflicts with a parent /guardian/authority figure
6. Protagonist learns something important (usually about him/herself)
7. There are usually a series of tests or challenges that the protagonist must face and overcome
8. The ending may be bittersweet--there is often a loss of innocence as a protagonist matures
9. Scarification (there are often scars left--physical or/and emotional), but these "wounds" mark the protagonist as a hero--he/she has come through the "storm" and is "wiser" for the experience. 

As you read Tears of a Tiger, again, look for examples of how Sharon Draper has created a traditional bildungsroman. You can find more information about Sharon Draper here at this link. Read a brief biography of the author to prepare you for our next course: Writing for Publication.

HOMEWORK: Please read Tears of a Tiger. Answer any 10 of the 15 Reader's Guide questions on page 181-183. These questions will be due Tuesday, Jan. 30 and count as a test grade for MP 3.