8TH GRADE ASSIGNMENT- One Act Play

THIS ASSIGNMENT IS FOR 8TH GRADE STUDENTS ONLY!

ASSIGNMENT 
A one act play can have as few as one character or as many as 15. It can be set in anytime, cover any theme, be in any language and tell any type of story. The only real definable feature is that a one act play simply has only that, one act. It is like a short story told only with dialogue.

Your assignment, worth 100 points is to write your own one act play. Your plays should be typed and formatted properly. This assignment, besides the guidelines below, is pretty wide open. I encourage you to write what you know and to write about what interests you. Your play can be anything you want it to be. It can be a play for kids. It can have musical numbers, be set in outer space or inside your own house. You can be the star of the play or it can be about people who are nothing like you. You tell the story you want to tell!

*This assignment addresses NYS Arts Standards 1 and 2, along with Common Core Standards for ELA. We will discuss these standards in class tomorrow!


GUIDELINES

• At least 4 pages long (This is easier than expected when writing a play.)
• 12 pt. font
• Follows proper dramatic format
• Is an original creation- all your own work!

TIMELINE

The following are dates when you will have to get something turned in to show your progress and receive feedback. These check-in dates are a third of your grade, 

Wednesday, December 2, 2015- A synopsis, or a summary of your one act play. Compile a list of characters. Identify the conflict; explain how the plot proceeds and how your play will end. 

Friday, December 5, 2015- Minimum of two pages of your play with dialogue and stage directions hand written or typed. 

Tuesday, December 9, 2015- Typed rough draft of your play (at least four pages completed.) 

Thursday, December 11, 2015- Final copies of your play typed and turned in by the end of the class period.

Friday, December 12, 2015- Optional performances!

Reminders

• You will receive various resources to help you with the play writing process. Please keep these materials organized and use them!
• If you are unsure of something, ask for help. 
• This is an arts class- do not be afraid to find your voice. 
• Have fun!

7th GRADE ASSIGNMENT- Poetry Mini Unit

Bell Work

In your notebooks, answer the question: WHAT IS POETRY?

Introduction
This assignment is for 7th grade students only!

We are going to begin our poetry mini unit today. As we begin to write poems remember that when writing poetry it is important to use your IMAGINATION. 

The best poems make people THINK and FEEL. They help us to look at the world DIFFERENTLY. (Arts Standards 1 & 2)

Today's Assignment
1. We are going to work on shape/theme poems today and use an interactive computer tool. 

2.Click below: 

Theme Poems

3. Follow the steps given. Try the process as many times as you would like. Print your best poem and save it in your folder. This is very important because we are going to create a poetry book with our best poems. 

 *Did you know? A shape poem is called a CONCRETE poem!

EXTENSION: Did you know you can create your own shape poem by hand? If you would like more of a challenge, try this! See me with questions. 

Concrete Reflections

Essential Question: What is a concrete poem? If you don't know, look it up!

Agenda:

1. Read the poem, Swan and Shadow by John Hollander

http://www.thegatesofparadise.com/Swan.pdf


2. In partners decide on an image that could be reflected. Examples: boat, bird, tree, etc.

3. One student writes on top, and the other does the reflection. I will explain this more verbally.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=example+of+concrete+reflection+poem&FORM=HDRSC2&adlt=strict

http://www.poetrysoup.com/poems/reflection

Extra Credit Opportunities

The creative writing department's coffee house reading is tonight. If you attend, you will get extra credit.

Where: The Ensemble Theatre at SOTA
When: Tonight, November 19, 2015
Time: 7:00 pm

Also, here are the dates for The Roc Solid Poetry Slam. You may also attend this event to receive extra credit as well. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS A DIFFERENT EVENT THAN TONIGHT'S COFFEE HOUSE READING!

My 15 Things

Your 15 Things

Read About it HERE!
http://grist.org/list/2012-01-04-this-guy-only-owns-15-things/

Assignment: Respond to the prompt above. Please don't just list your 15 things. Explain the why. Add details and develop your ideas! USE PARAGRAPHS!

What Would You Do?

Ekphrastic Storytelling

Ekphrasis: Writing that comments on another art form. For example, a poem written about a painting or a story about a photograph. 


Essential Question: Do I know what ekphrastic storytelling is? Can I write a story based on a picture one of my classmates provides?

Bellwork: Take some time to find (or draw) an interesting image/picture on the internet to serve as a starting point for a story!

Work Time:

1. Find a partner and show them the picture you found.

2. Discuss the pictures and brainstorm some story ideas.

3. Begin writing your first creative writing story by using the image provided. You may use your picture or trade with your partner.

Hint: If you do not like the picture you were given, try to find an angle to take the story where you want to go. For example, take your character to a new setting.

Welcome to Our Blog!

Welcome to middle school creative writing! I will post a great deal of information for the class right here, so be sure to check the blog often!

You are welcome to comment and ask questions on the blog, but please make sure that your posts are school related and appropriate. Thank you!

Here is today's agenda: 

Bell Work: Find and bookmark the class blog!

Essential Question: Am I prepared to start the marking period?

1. In your notebooks, brainstorm about the following: 

• Goals
• Expectations
• Feelings about starting a new marking period.

2. Task: Write a Dear Me Letter. 
Here are some guidelines on how to get an A: 

• Write yourself a letter discussing your feelings about starting a new marking period.
• What did you love and hate about last year?
• What are your goals and expectations for this year?
• How do you feel about being at SOTA?

*Note: These guidelines are here to get you started. You may add to the them as well!

* If you type your letter, please use Microsoft Word and SAVE YOUR WORK! Don't know how? ASK!