Final Class: Craft

Today, please study for your final exam (see previous blog posting) and prepare your portfolio.

You will be collecting the following for your portfolio/booklet:
1. 3-5 of your FINAL drafts of short stories done throughout the year.
2. 2-3 JOURNALISM articles
3. 5-7 FINAL drafts of poems
4. 2-3 Play & Film Scripts/Film projects
5. A 3-5 page self-evaluation
The writing process begins with brainstorming. After getting an idea, a writer drafts or composes the first draft of his/her work. After completing the final project or work, a writer can figure out what was left out, what needs to be included, and can begin to shape the writing to approach an artistic vision. It is in this drafting that the real piece begins to emerge. Drafting can take a long time. Sometimes it's never done. After some time and luck, a piece may find the light of day in publication. Good luck to all of you. The only requirement to be a writer is to write. Enjoy your work.

After our film viewing, if you haven't yet completed your portfolio, please do so now and turn in by the end of class. This is a major assignment, please complete it.

Self Evaluation: 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 craft as a writer in this particular genre? What did you learn about yourself concerning writing from this assignment or project? Discuss what you learned about the form or genre of the work as you wrote, revised and crafted the pieces, what have you learned about yourself as a writer, etc.

All work should be considered your FINAL drafts, with errors, grammar mistakes, weaknesses purged and removed through the process of CRAFTING your work. All pieces should include a title. Essentially, show me that you learned something about the Craft of Writing through your original work this year.

Have a good summer!

Film Projects (Past Due) & Portfolio

Your film projects are past due.

Today, you should prepare your portfolio. The most important part of your portfolio is your reflection. Please reflect (in writing) about your understanding of the craft of writing as it pertains to your original work. What have you learned about the four genres (poetry, fiction, scripts, non-fiction/journalism) this year? What have you learned about the writing process in terms of your own artistry? Reflect.

Do not spend your time revising. It's too late for that. Just pick a few samples of your BEST work this year (that which is polished enough or of which you are proud). Put it together with your reflection and turn in by the end of class.

Film Project (due today)

Your film projects are due today. Remember that you have to EXPORT the file first (and this takes quite a bit of time, so please be aware so that you don't work to the last minute today and then expect to turn the film in). Late projects will count as a lower grade, but as long as you turn in your work you cannot get lower than a "C" grade.

The Rochester Teen Film Festival deadline is here. Any film you are submitting should be copied as a M4V file and given to me on a flash drive (you'll get these back...I just need the file) so that I can burn a DVD for Mr. Bailey. There is a form you need to fill out in the front of the class if you are submitting your film project. I'll give extra credit to anyone who does this.

HOMEWORK: None, unless your film project is not complete.

Film Project (cont)

Work on your films. Film project is due at the end of next class (June 7). We started this project May 18.

HOMEWORK: Complete your filming. Complete your film projects.

Film Project (cont)

Keep working on your films. Upload footage and allow your editor to begin working. Use the time in lab to complete your film projects.

Coffeehouse Readings are scheduled for Monday, June 6 at 7:00. Please join us to read and share our hard work! Refreshments provided.