3rd Marking Period Portfolio (two week project)

Instead of rushing into scripts (our next unit), I am giving you the opportunity for the next two weeks of class to build your portfolio and hone your craft by writing, reading, and workshopping. This project covers the following dates: 12/11, 12/13, 12/17, 12/19, and through 1/6 (our first day back from break).

The game: Writing & Reading.

Reason: We hear you. You have too many things to accomplish. You couldn't possibly get all the reading & writing you need to done. You have busy lives, etc. I usually conduct workshops and this sort of project during the 2nd semester, but I'll introduce you to it a little early.

How to play (please read these rules):

1. I am giving you two weeks (through the Holiday Break actually) to develop your portfolios.
2. You may write ANYTHING you want to. You may write poetry. You may write fiction. You may write scripts for the stage or screen. You may write articles for creative non-fiction. For each of these genres, check eLearning for pointers and tips in MODULE 3. This will be updated throughout the project.
3. You may spend your time in the lab reading as well.
4. I am not going to yell at you to stay on task, but you will receive a major grade at the end of this unit for your work and participation. Each day that you are in the lab you will receive points. See the rules and point system below.

Point system: How you will be scored?

Writing:

• 1 point for each page of text you write. Half pages (or poems under 20 lines) receive no credit. 2 half-pages equal 1 page. 1/4 and 1/3 pages never count. (two or more poems on the same page count as a page, if it is a full page). No credit will be given if the work is not up to high school standards.
• 1 point for each revision you complete. You may revise any previous work, but you first need to consult someone in the class to give you feedback. This feedback must be ATTACHED to the draft.
• 1 point for each workshop feedback you write for another student. Each workshop feedback form must be dated and signed by the student who conducted the feedback.
• 1 point for every 5 pages of journalling, free writing, or brainstorming you complete. (You must show me your journal)
• 1 point for each blog post or web page you create (you must give me your blog address)
• 1 point for each 30 seconds of edited film you create
• 1 point bonus for each draft you write that impresses me. I am impressed by seeing that you have included what we have covered in class and how you apply it to make a point or to create effective, crafted writing. Bonus points will be indicated on a draft with a sticker.

Reading: (you may read anything you like)

• 1 point for every 10 pages of reading you complete. You must LOG your pages (see handout) and include a short summary or synopsis of every 10 page units you read. Please date and sign each entry in your reading log.
• 1 point for every book, film, or video game review you write (1 page of text = 1 point, see above)

Participation:

• 1 point for every day you are in attendance without being tardy.
• 1 point for every period where you are working quietly (no excessive or loud noise), not bothering peers who do not wish to be bothered (i.e., not in a workshop)
• 1 point for every day you focus on this project.
• 1 point for every day you are not using personal electronic devices (cell phones, mp3/4 players, headphones, etc.)
• 1 point bonus to be given out per day by the teacher to one lucky student who works diligently throughout the class. Bonus points will be given as stickers on your portfolio.

Final scoring:

Students who fall in the following point ranges will receive the following grades:

• 31+ (A)
• 25-30 (B)
• 15-25 (C)
• 10-14 (D)
• Fewer than 10 points (F) 
• Pluses (A+, B+, C+, D+, etc.) will be determined by quality of the work.

HOMEWORK: Yes, you may write and read (complete your log, or write in your journal, or make a film, or work on this project) outside of class.