Please complete and turn in your portfolio today.
Have a great summer and a productive finals week! See you in the fall!
HOMEWORK: None.
Have a great summer and a productive finals week! See you in the fall!
HOMEWORK: None.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Thursday, June 9, 2016
A Wizard of Earthsea Test; Library; Portfolio
After your test on A Wizard of Earthsea, please return all books to the library. Then, go to the lab and work on your portfolio. I am collecting your journals today. Please turn these in.
HOMEWORK: None.
HOMEWORK: None.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Portfolio; Journal; A Wizard of Earthsea
Today, please work on your portfolio or journal or reading and completing A Wizard of Earthsea. If you completed your writing notes on the book, please turn this in for participation credit. There will be a quiz on the book next class. You should know major characters, major plot events, consider the metaphorical meaning of true names and the shadow, know the setting and important places in Earthsea, and be able to discuss how Ged's journey is a hero's journey and what plot archetypes are found within the book with examples: the quest, the adventure, the pursuit/chase, the escape, the romance, the coming-of-age, the transformation, or the metamorphosis archetypes...
Use your notes to study for the test.
HOMEWORK: Complete all work. Test on A Wizard of Earthsea next class. Please bring your books (or any books you still have not yet returned to the library!)
Use your notes to study for the test.
HOMEWORK: Complete all work. Test on A Wizard of Earthsea next class. Please bring your books (or any books you still have not yet returned to the library!)
Friday, June 3, 2016
Fantasy Story Draft Due! Portfolio!
Please complete your fantasy story drafts today. If you finish early, please either use the time to read A Wizard of Earthsea (a test on this book will happen next week) or work on your portfolio.
HOMEWORK: As above. Complete A Wizard of Earthsea.
HOMEWORK: As above. Complete A Wizard of Earthsea.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Final Portfolio
There are two (2) parts to your final portfolio.
Part A. Self Evaluation Essay
Part B. Portfolio
Select work that you created this year in Ms. Gamzon or Mr. Craddock’s classes. All work should be copies of original work. No journals will be accepted. Follow the guideline below.
Table of contents. Your table of contents should order your portfolio into the following parts:
a. Poetry
b. Fiction
c. Non-fiction
d. Scripts
e. Special projects
Poetry. Choose 5-7 of your best poems. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of poetry. Each poem’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Fiction. Choose 3-4 of your best fiction pieces. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of fiction. Each fiction piece’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Non-fiction. Choose 1-3 of your best non-fiction pieces (including text of speeches, etc.) Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of non-fiction. Each non-fiction piece’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Scripts: Choose 1-2 of your best scripts. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of script writing. Each script’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Special Projects: Choose 2-3 of your special projects (newsletter, slideshow, brochure, literary magazine, house on mango street booklet, blog, etc.) which show your growth and creative ability. Each project should be listed on the table of contents. If you have been working on a project not assigned in class, you may include this work in your special projects. (Example: I am working on a novel, and I haven’t told my teachers or I have written a musical, etc.) Please do NOT print your special project, unless you already have an extra copy. Instead, please talk about these projects in your reflection.
Self Reflection Non Fiction - Creative Essay:
During the entire freshman year, we have thrown quite a bit of information, projects, and assignments your way. We did not do this to be cruel, but to see how you react to pressure, deadlines, writing & reading skills, and 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. These introductory courses are designed to get you to know yourself as a student and writer a little better. Part of this is the need to self-reflect. Examine the writing rubrics and the material in your portfolio. Reflect on your work this year.
Reflective piece: 4-6 pages, double-spaced. Write about how you’ve grown as a writer this year, what has been easy/hard for you, what areas you feel you need more work in; reflect on your progress as a writer, a reader, and as a student. Write about each selected piece you have chosen to include in your portfolio (per genre): why did you include these pieces in your portfolio? How does the piece show your growth and development as a writer in this particular genre? What did you learn about yourself concerning writing from this assignment or project? Discuss the writing process you used to create the work, where you got your ideas, what you learned about the form or genre of the work as you wrote and revised it, what you learned about yourself as a writer, etc. Discuss special projects and reading that had an impact on you. What did you learn about writing and about yourself through these assignments this year?
Rubric
_____ Table of Contents 10 points
_____ Reflective Essay (4-6 pages) 30 points
_____ Poetry (6-8 poems) 10 points
_____ Fiction (4-5 short stories) 10 points
_____ Non Fiction (2-3 creative essays/speeches) 10 points
_____ Special Projects (3-4 special projects) 10 points
_____ Grammar (Work is clean, copy-edited, free of errors) 10 points
Penalty: (-1/2 point for each grammar error. Up to -10 points)
_____ Portfolio turned in complete and on time 10 points
Penalties:
• Late portfolios (-10 points per day late)
• Handwritten work (-1 for each handwritten page)
• Grammar errors (see above)
- A 4-6 page, double-spaced, typed self evaluation essay
- A variety of your best work chosen from all your CW classes
Part A. Self Evaluation Essay
Part B. Portfolio
Select work that you created this year in Ms. Gamzon or Mr. Craddock’s classes. All work should be copies of original work. No journals will be accepted. Follow the guideline below.
Table of contents. Your table of contents should order your portfolio into the following parts:
a. Poetry
b. Fiction
c. Non-fiction
d. Scripts
e. Special projects
Poetry. Choose 5-7 of your best poems. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of poetry. Each poem’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Fiction. Choose 3-4 of your best fiction pieces. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of fiction. Each fiction piece’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Non-fiction. Choose 1-3 of your best non-fiction pieces (including text of speeches, etc.) Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of non-fiction. Each non-fiction piece’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Scripts: Choose 1-2 of your best scripts. Select work that shows your understanding and growth in the field of script writing. Each script’s title should be listed on the table of contents.
Special Projects: Choose 2-3 of your special projects (newsletter, slideshow, brochure, literary magazine, house on mango street booklet, blog, etc.) which show your growth and creative ability. Each project should be listed on the table of contents. If you have been working on a project not assigned in class, you may include this work in your special projects. (Example: I am working on a novel, and I haven’t told my teachers or I have written a musical, etc.) Please do NOT print your special project, unless you already have an extra copy. Instead, please talk about these projects in your reflection.
Self Reflection Non Fiction - Creative Essay:
During the entire freshman year, we have thrown quite a bit of information, projects, and assignments your way. We did not do this to be cruel, but to see how you react to pressure, deadlines, writing & reading skills, and 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. These introductory courses are designed to get you to know yourself as a student and writer a little better. Part of this is the need to self-reflect. Examine the writing rubrics and the material in your portfolio. Reflect on your work this year.
Reflective piece: 4-6 pages, double-spaced. Write about how you’ve grown as a writer this year, what has been easy/hard for you, what areas you feel you need more work in; reflect on your progress as a writer, a reader, and as a student. Write about each selected piece you have chosen to include in your portfolio (per genre): why did you include these pieces in your portfolio? How does the piece show your growth and development as a writer in this particular genre? What did you learn about yourself concerning writing from this assignment or project? Discuss the writing process you used to create the work, where you got your ideas, what you learned about the form or genre of the work as you wrote and revised it, what you learned about yourself as a writer, etc. Discuss special projects and reading that had an impact on you. What did you learn about writing and about yourself through these assignments this year?
Rubric
_____ Table of Contents 10 points
_____ Reflective Essay (4-6 pages) 30 points
_____ Poetry (6-8 poems) 10 points
_____ Fiction (4-5 short stories) 10 points
_____ Non Fiction (2-3 creative essays/speeches) 10 points
_____ Special Projects (3-4 special projects) 10 points
_____ Grammar (Work is clean, copy-edited, free of errors) 10 points
Penalty: (-1/2 point for each grammar error. Up to -10 points)
_____ Portfolio turned in complete and on time 10 points
Penalties:
• Late portfolios (-10 points per day late)
• Handwritten work (-1 for each handwritten page)
• Grammar errors (see above)
Day of Writing & Reading
See portfolio instructions on Ms. Gamzon's blog or just above this post.
Today, please work on your fantasy stories. When instructed, please go outside to the Art Walk Memorial Art Museum's sculpture garden and find a quiet place to read "A Wizard of Earthsea". This is a reading assignment. No students should be sitting next to each other and there should be no talking. This is your time to read and enjoy the nice weather. Please honor that, or we will not try this again.
Any questions?
HOMEWORK: Keep reading "A Wizard of Earthsea". Your fantasy short story draft is due this Friday. Portfolios are due either Friday, June 10 or Monday, June 13.
Today, please work on your fantasy stories. When instructed, please go outside to the Art Walk Memorial Art Museum's sculpture garden and find a quiet place to read "A Wizard of Earthsea". This is a reading assignment. No students should be sitting next to each other and there should be no talking. This is your time to read and enjoy the nice weather. Please honor that, or we will not try this again.
Any questions?
HOMEWORK: Keep reading "A Wizard of Earthsea". Your fantasy short story draft is due this Friday. Portfolios are due either Friday, June 10 or Monday, June 13.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Wizard of Earthsea (Chapter 3 & Beyond); Fantasy Story Draft
This morning, after our pop quiz on chapter 2, please follow along as we read chapter 3 together.
We will visit the lab today to continue writing our fantasy short stories. You will want to start aiming for an ending to your story draft.
Again, there's a wealth of advice and help out there if you dare to learn it. Here's a few helpful tips and writing advice to use (watching them all would take about 30 min.):
HOMEWORK: None. If you haven't been watching these video clips, go back a few posts and do so. What you learn may be invaluable. Teaching doesn't happen if you don't learn. Open your mind and the world will follow...
During the long weekend break, please complete any missing work you need to complete for our classes. Get those drafts written and done!
Also, there's a coffeehouse tonight. We'd love to see you there.
We will visit the lab today to continue writing our fantasy short stories. You will want to start aiming for an ending to your story draft.
Again, there's a wealth of advice and help out there if you dare to learn it. Here's a few helpful tips and writing advice to use (watching them all would take about 30 min.):
- Writing Tip: Beginnings and Endings (1 min.)
- How to Make a Story: End (3 min.)
- J.K. Rowling's Top 10 Rules for Success (10 min.)
- R.L. Stine (Writing the Ending First) (2 min.) & R.L. Stine's Message to Teens (1 min.)
- How to Write Descriptively (a repeat before you turn in your work...)
- How to Write an Ending (7 min.)
- How Fiction Changes Reality (4.5 min.)
HOMEWORK: None. If you haven't been watching these video clips, go back a few posts and do so. What you learn may be invaluable. Teaching doesn't happen if you don't learn. Open your mind and the world will follow...
During the long weekend break, please complete any missing work you need to complete for our classes. Get those drafts written and done!
Also, there's a coffeehouse tonight. We'd love to see you there.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Fantasy Story Draft Project; A Wizard of Earthsea (chapter one)
After your quiz on fantasy short stories, please go next door and work on your fantasy story draft.
If you need assistance or help, check the videos posted below (or in previous posts concerning writer's block, motivation, and beginning a story). Today is mainly about the middle of a story.
How to make a story: the middle
Writing the Mushy Middle
Tips from Stephen King
Now get writing!
During period 4, we will stop and pick up the last book for the year: A Wizard of Earthsea. Today, we will listen to the first chapter.
The author is Ursula K. LeGuin. She was popular before J.K. Rowling and inspired many fantasy writers with her excellent world building, compelling stories, and just good writing talent.
HOMEWORK: None. If you did not get much written today, please continue working on your fantasy drafts. Bring your Earthsea books back with you Wednesday.
If you need assistance or help, check the videos posted below (or in previous posts concerning writer's block, motivation, and beginning a story). Today is mainly about the middle of a story.
How to make a story: the middle
Writing the Mushy Middle
Tips from Stephen King
Now get writing!
During period 4, we will stop and pick up the last book for the year: A Wizard of Earthsea. Today, we will listen to the first chapter.
The author is Ursula K. LeGuin. She was popular before J.K. Rowling and inspired many fantasy writers with her excellent world building, compelling stories, and just good writing talent.
HOMEWORK: None. If you did not get much written today, please continue working on your fantasy drafts. Bring your Earthsea books back with you Wednesday.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Fantasy Story Project: Beginnings
During period 3, please write an opening to your fantasy story. It should be based or set in your fantasy setting created from last class. You can add details to your previous idea, but you cannot change it.
To begin, follow these steps in order:
1. Determine your audience. Are you writing for young children just learning to read? Or other teenagers? Or adults? Are you writing for girls or boys? Make a decision. This answer will affect your tone, diction, and voice in your story. Write who your intended audience is in your heading!
2. Look over your notes from last class. Who is likely to be your protagonist?
3. Decide on a moment in this character's life when the status quo changes. It's a normal day in this world for this character when suddenly something happens. What is that something?
4. Write only your first scene of your story. If you finish early check out these videos (or any of the videos you did not watch from last class!) NOTE: I will assume you are done with your first scene if I see you playing these videos:
How to Write Science Fiction/Fantasy (4.5 min.)
The importance of Setting (3 min.)
Writing with Jane: Point of View (5 min.)
How to dominate writer's block (3 min.)
Why I Write About Elves (Terry Brooks) (Ted Talk, 13 min.)
By the end of 3rd period, we will stop where we are and go next door to start the film Legend (1985) directed by Ridley Scott. Here is some information:
Writer: William Hjorstberg
Cinematography: Alex Thomson
Sound/Music: Jerry Goldsmith (director's cut) or Tangerine Dream (theatrical release)
Special Effects Supervisor: Nick Allder & crew
Characters:
Jack (Tom Cruise)
Lili (Mia Sara)
Darkness (Tim Curry)
Honeythorn Gump (David Bennent)
Screwball (Billy Barty)
Brown Tom (Cork Hubbert)
Oona (Annabelle Lanyon)
Blix (Alice Playten)
Pox (Peter O'Farrell)
Blunder (Kiran Shaw)
Meg Mucklebones (Robert Picardo)
Nell (Tina Martin)
As we watch, examine the film's Heroic journey. Identify the moments for Jack & Lili's heroic journeys and fantasy archetypes (such as the quest, adventure, romance, transformation, or metamorphosis)
HOMEWORK: None. If you did not complete scene #1 of your fantasy story project, please complete it before next class.
To begin, follow these steps in order:
1. Determine your audience. Are you writing for young children just learning to read? Or other teenagers? Or adults? Are you writing for girls or boys? Make a decision. This answer will affect your tone, diction, and voice in your story. Write who your intended audience is in your heading!
2. Look over your notes from last class. Who is likely to be your protagonist?
3. Decide on a moment in this character's life when the status quo changes. It's a normal day in this world for this character when suddenly something happens. What is that something?
4. Write only your first scene of your story. If you finish early check out these videos (or any of the videos you did not watch from last class!) NOTE: I will assume you are done with your first scene if I see you playing these videos:
How to Write Science Fiction/Fantasy (4.5 min.)
The importance of Setting (3 min.)
Writing with Jane: Point of View (5 min.)
How to dominate writer's block (3 min.)
Why I Write About Elves (Terry Brooks) (Ted Talk, 13 min.)
By the end of 3rd period, we will stop where we are and go next door to start the film Legend (1985) directed by Ridley Scott. Here is some information:
Writer: William Hjorstberg
Cinematography: Alex Thomson
Sound/Music: Jerry Goldsmith (director's cut) or Tangerine Dream (theatrical release)
Special Effects Supervisor: Nick Allder & crew
Characters:
Jack (Tom Cruise)
Lili (Mia Sara)
Darkness (Tim Curry)
Honeythorn Gump (David Bennent)
Screwball (Billy Barty)
Brown Tom (Cork Hubbert)
Oona (Annabelle Lanyon)
Blix (Alice Playten)
Pox (Peter O'Farrell)
Blunder (Kiran Shaw)
Meg Mucklebones (Robert Picardo)
Nell (Tina Martin)
As we watch, examine the film's Heroic journey. Identify the moments for Jack & Lili's heroic journeys and fantasy archetypes (such as the quest, adventure, romance, transformation, or metamorphosis)
HOMEWORK: None. If you did not complete scene #1 of your fantasy story project, please complete it before next class.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
World Creation & Writing Advice
Today, please use the questionnaire handout from last class to design and flesh out a fictional fantasy world of your own imagination.
RESOURCES/MODELS: Take a look at any of these sites or videos to help if you get stuck! The main idea here is to play and be creative.
Interactive Tolkien map. (website)
Create a Fantasy World: An Imp's Journey (16 min.)
Writing Fantasy: An Imp's Journey (14 min.)
5 Tips for Writing Fantasy (8 min.)
How to World Build (10 min.)
Curing Writers Block (5 min.)
Coming Up with Story Ideas (3 min.)
Six Creative Ways to Brainstorm Ideas (3.5 min.)
How to Overcome Creative Blocks (35 minutes...this one's long...watch it at home!)
And for Oprah fans...if you are finding yourself stuck by reality, take 2 minutes to watch this advice. It might help you regain your creative vision.
Use your time in class to complete your world building design. Please turn in your world building notes so I know you are ready for our next class.
HOMEWORK: None. You should have completed and turned in your world building notes. If you did not, please complete your work this weekend. We can't wait forever for you. Get the work done in class. Also, if you have missing or late work--please complete this weekend. Make sure you have read the short stories we have been reading. A test on these stories will occur NEXT class.
RESOURCES/MODELS: Take a look at any of these sites or videos to help if you get stuck! The main idea here is to play and be creative.
Interactive Tolkien map. (website)
Create a Fantasy World: An Imp's Journey (16 min.)
Writing Fantasy: An Imp's Journey (14 min.)
5 Tips for Writing Fantasy (8 min.)
How to World Build (10 min.)
Curing Writers Block (5 min.)
Coming Up with Story Ideas (3 min.)
Six Creative Ways to Brainstorm Ideas (3.5 min.)
How to Overcome Creative Blocks (35 minutes...this one's long...watch it at home!)
And for Oprah fans...if you are finding yourself stuck by reality, take 2 minutes to watch this advice. It might help you regain your creative vision.
Use your time in class to complete your world building design. Please turn in your world building notes so I know you are ready for our next class.
HOMEWORK: None. You should have completed and turned in your world building notes. If you did not, please complete your work this weekend. We can't wait forever for you. Get the work done in class. Also, if you have missing or late work--please complete this weekend. Make sure you have read the short stories we have been reading. A test on these stories will occur NEXT class.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Legend; The Heroes Journey
Please turn in your homework for "Lila the Werewolf" (see previous post for details). After our writing prompts, we will view a few videos about our subject.
Last class we talked about the heroes' journey. Today, we will examine that archetype in the film Legend (1985) by director Ridley Scott.
To recap, the heroes journey looks like this:
1. Status quo/call to adventure
2. Assistance
3. Departure
4. Trials
5. Approach
6. Crisis
7. Treasure
8. Result
9. Return
10. New Life
11. Resolution
12. Status quo
All heroes journeys start off in the "normal" world and move through a "special" world. While not all authors will use the heroes journey in the same way, usually, it can be argued, that most stories follow some of the major plot points pretty closely.
To recap, the heroes journey looks like this:
1. Status quo/call to adventure
2. Assistance
3. Departure
4. Trials
5. Approach
6. Crisis
7. Treasure
8. Result
9. Return
10. New Life
11. Resolution
12. Status quo
All heroes journeys start off in the "normal" world and move through a "special" world. While not all authors will use the heroes journey in the same way, usually, it can be argued, that most stories follow some of the major plot points pretty closely.
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