A Day of Gentle Prodding; Portfolio!

This morning, please use the lab to further the following projects:

--The cultural settings story
--The pop culture prezi
--Your portfolio
--Reading Jennifer Government

Your portfolio is scheduled to be due today. In your portfolio you will need the following drafts:
1. The cultural settings story
2. Any other work you have written up (poems, scenes, articles, essays, stories, etc.)
3. A marking period reflection (a 1-2 page reflection on the work and projects you are writing, or an explanation of the work you have put in your portfolio, or identification of what you want feedback on in the portfolio (apart from the general rubric: see below).

Portfolio Rubric:
4 = Exemplary 3= Accomplished 2= Promising 1=Beginning 0=Failing

Exemplary: Thoroughly and artistically developed characters, effective characterization, compelling or creative plot, structure, conflict, theme, and setting. Uses vivid description, effective diction and word choice, tone or voice, POV, imagery, and compelling dialogue. These literary elements are artistically sustained throughout portfolio. Uses a variety of effective literary devices. Writing can be considered “art,” effectively communicating issues central to the human condition in a compelling or original way. Has few errors in spelling punctuation, syntax, and usage. Sentence structure and overall effect of the work is artistic and controlled. Work includes evidence of several revised drafts that improve on earlier drafts (not expected during MP 1). Work included in portfolio reflects a wide range of styles and genres, allowing the author to challenge and stretch his/her creative voice. There is more than twelve full typed pages of new work. Uses lab and class time to full extent; always on task when given an assignment. Participates consistently and insightfully in class discussions; an exemplar for other students. Student acts as a leader among peers, encouraging critical thinking and inspires others by modeling exemplary behavior, attitude, skills, or artistic integrity. 

Accomplished: Well developed characters, plot, conflict, theme, structure, and setting, although not as compelling or original as the exemplary category. Uses good or appropriate description, diction, dialogue, voice, POV, imagery, tone, voice, theme, etc. but work may not be as insightful or artfully constructed, but still remains a solid piece of writing. Uses some literary devices, but with uneven success. Work may need more revision or care to help focus the artistic energy of the piece. Has some errors in spelling, punctuation, and usage but nothing that gets in the way of the reader’s ability to discern meaning. Work includes evidence of some revision. Work included in portfolio reflects a range of styles and genres. There is between 10 and 12 pages of typed pages of new work. Uses lab and class time to some extent, often giving their best most days. Participates in class (occasionally contributes positively to discussions, volunteers, models effective leadership, etc.) but not as insightful or as often as exemplary students. Mostly on task when given an assignment. 

Developing: Fairly well developed characters, plot, conflict, theme, structure, and setting, but pieces in portfolio may have gaps. Uses some description, imagery, dialogue, voice, etc. but with uneven success. Work suggests craft or insight into the human condition, but falls short of this goal. May use an occasional literary device, but work is abstract, undeveloped, unfocused, too personal, or clichéd. Work does not necessarily lack meaning, but lack of logic, gaps in plausibility, or work is too predictable causes weaknesses that need to be addressed in future drafts. Has errors in spelling punctuation and usage that distracts the reader. Work may be accomplished, but portfolio was late. Work includes some evidence of revision, but revision is largely in grammar and syntax, rather than restructuring. Work included in portfolio focuses on one type of style or genre. There is between 6 and 9 pages of new work (or work has been borrowed from other CW courses). Uses lab and class time sometimes, but often is off topic, procrastinating, tardy, or surfing the internet for unrelated materials. Participates sometimes in class, but often remains silent or comments are not as insightful as accomplished or exemplary students; student may disrupt other students occasionally or need to be reminded to stay on task. Student is often absent or tardy to class. May need prompting or reminders from the teacher to work on assigned task(s). Student coasts by without proving that required work has been done, but occasionally makes an attempt. Student shows little interest in quality work. 

Beginning: Development of literary components such as character, plot and setting is on a very basic level, although these elements are present, but at a limited or basic level. Uses limited description, imagery, dialogue. Work is hastily done or lacks artistic style. Work is largely at the free writing or brainstorming stage. Does not use literary devices, or work is largely abstract, unfocused to the point of being confusing, or lacks meaning altogether. Has careless errors in spelling, punctuation, and usage that make the work difficult to read. Work includes little or no evidence of revision. Work may be developing, but portfolio was turned in late. Work included in portfolio is largely incomplete or undeveloped. There are fewer than 6 pages of new work (or work has been borrowed solely from other CW courses). Does not use lab or class time effectively, often off task. Hardly participates in class discussions or volunteers; rarely has anything to contribute, sleeps or disrupts other students consistently. Does not add positively to classroom environment. Student does not pay attention, refuses to follow school or classroom rules. Student is off-task when working on an assignment. Student is late or tardy to class consistently. Student often does not come to class prepared. Student shows no interest in the purpose or design of this class or its subject matter. 

Fail: As beginning, but portfolio is late or portfolio is not up to 12th grade creative writing standards. A portfolio not turned in by the deadline is considered a "failing" grade.

Jennifer Government prep: For your prep work, take a look at Max Barry's website.

It doesn't get more pop culture than this. A turn-based on-line game based on the novel Jennifer Government. Learn about Nation States and play it here.

Keep reading Jennifer Government. Notice how entwined the plot becomes based on key major characters and their personal goals/objectives. Why do you think Barry is telling his story this way? What is the culminating effect on you, the reader?

HOMEWORK: Deadlines looming: Portfolio (Oct. 11 (today) or Oct. 16--no portfolios will be accepted after Oct. 18!), Jennifer Government (Oct. 22), pop culture prezi (Oct. 22).