Creative Writing and Poetry:
Moving Forward and Embracing Change
Over the last several weeks of the school year, you will be taking a journey and exploring your creative juices with writing and poetry. Don't be afraid to take risks, think outside the box, find your serious side, and have fun with writing.
"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."
~Sylvia Plath~
"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."
~Sylvia Plath~
Directions: You will have the opportunity to write six very different styles of creative writing and poetry. All assignments are due by Friday, June 7, 2013. Below are the descriptions and examples of each assignment.
1. If I Were in Charge of the World by Judith Viorst
What would you do if you were in charge of the world? Read Judith Viorst's poem below and then just let your imagination run free. Create your own version of the poem with creative details and descriptions from the point of view of being the one to make all the big decisions. Once you have drafted your version, have it checked, type it in Google Docs, and pick a paper to print it on.
Have fun with it!
1. If I Were in Charge of the World by Judith Viorst
What would you do if you were in charge of the world? Read Judith Viorst's poem below and then just let your imagination run free. Create your own version of the poem with creative details and descriptions from the point of view of being the one to make all the big decisions. Once you have drafted your version, have it checked, type it in Google Docs, and pick a paper to print it on.
Have fun with it!
2. Where I'm From
If you want to write a beautiful and personal poem, then the "Where I'm From" poem is perfect. You'll create a piece of writing that represents specific moments in your life that contribute to who you are today. This poem encourages tolerance and awareness of our own personal experiences and can be rewritten over and over again. Imagine being able to express where you're from without simply saying the name of a city, state or country. This poem is about YOU!
Directions:
*Begin to brainstorm some ideas. Think of family, special trips/times, songs, activities, school, family traditions, traumatic experiences, joys, losses, memories, etc. You should be able to start to think of what you want to include.
*Start composing. Begin with: I am from _______________. (Fill in with one of the items you listed while prewriting.) Continue on the next line with: From_____________________ and ____________________. (Fill in each blank with items from your list.) Continue with: I am from ____________________ and ____________________. (Fill in the blanks as you did before.) Continue this format until you have completed your poem.
Template
http://school.judsonisd.org/webpages/aday/files/where+i%E2%80%99m+from+template.pdf
*Type in Google Docs. Follow format and directions for "Thread Spool Poetry."
3. Found Poetry with NY Times
Found poems are “poems that are composed from words and phrases found in another text.” A New York Times found poem, then, uses words and phrases taken from one Times article, past or present.
Directions: Think about a "hot topic" that hits close to home. It might be a topic like bullying, friendship, high school, family, etc. Search The NY Times online (http://www.nytimes.com/) for an article that connects to your topic. Once you found your article, read over it. Start to think of words that you want to include in your poem. Use the link below to create a digital version of your poem.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/Word_Mover/
4. Visual Haiku
Haiku Poems originated in Japan. These poems have a specific format, and since its origin has expanded all over the world. Here are some steps on how to make your own haiku poem.* Pick a topic of interest connected to the concept of "embracing change." Brainstorm words that associate with this topic. Make a good list so that this will provide you with a word bank for your haiku.
*FORMAT YOUR HAIKU. Now that you have your word bank, start composing your haiku. The haiku consists of 3 lines. The first line contains 5 syllables. The second line consists of 7 syllables. The third line consists of 5 syllables.
*After you have composed your Haiku, use Google Presentation to find one image that connects to your topic. Add the photo to the background of your slide and then insert your text on top of the image.
*Get checked before you print.
If you want to write a beautiful and personal poem, then the "Where I'm From" poem is perfect. You'll create a piece of writing that represents specific moments in your life that contribute to who you are today. This poem encourages tolerance and awareness of our own personal experiences and can be rewritten over and over again. Imagine being able to express where you're from without simply saying the name of a city, state or country. This poem is about YOU!
Directions:
*Begin to brainstorm some ideas. Think of family, special trips/times, songs, activities, school, family traditions, traumatic experiences, joys, losses, memories, etc. You should be able to start to think of what you want to include.
*Start composing. Begin with: I am from _______________. (Fill in with one of the items you listed while prewriting.) Continue on the next line with: From_____________________ and ____________________. (Fill in each blank with items from your list.) Continue with: I am from ____________________ and ____________________. (Fill in the blanks as you did before.) Continue this format until you have completed your poem.
Template
http://school.judsonisd.org/webpages/aday/files/where+i%E2%80%99m+from+template.pdf
*Type in Google Docs. Follow format and directions for "Thread Spool Poetry."
3. Found Poetry with NY Times
Found poems are “poems that are composed from words and phrases found in another text.” A New York Times found poem, then, uses words and phrases taken from one Times article, past or present.
Directions: Think about a "hot topic" that hits close to home. It might be a topic like bullying, friendship, high school, family, etc. Search The NY Times online (http://www.nytimes.com/) for an article that connects to your topic. Once you found your article, read over it. Start to think of words that you want to include in your poem. Use the link below to create a digital version of your poem.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/Word_Mover/
4. Visual Haiku
Haiku Poems originated in Japan. These poems have a specific format, and since its origin has expanded all over the world. Here are some steps on how to make your own haiku poem.* Pick a topic of interest connected to the concept of "embracing change." Brainstorm words that associate with this topic. Make a good list so that this will provide you with a word bank for your haiku.
*FORMAT YOUR HAIKU. Now that you have your word bank, start composing your haiku. The haiku consists of 3 lines. The first line contains 5 syllables. The second line consists of 7 syllables. The third line consists of 5 syllables.
*After you have composed your Haiku, use Google Presentation to find one image that connects to your topic. Add the photo to the background of your slide and then insert your text on top of the image.
*Get checked before you print.
5. Subway Art with Quotes
So...what is Subway Art??? Subway Art is the technique of arranging type and type design, and using type modification to create a piece of work which can be visually captivating or to convey a thought provoking message or action. For your assignment, you will be finding one inspirational quote and using PicMonkey to create your piece of art.
*Find an inspirational quote. Below are a few sights to help you get started. http://www.brainyquote.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes
*Following the link below to PicMonkey and begin to create your piece. Be creative with colors, backgrounds, and text. The main thing to know about PicMonkey...you can't save it on the Nobi's, so you need to finish your final piece in one class period.
Tutorial on PicMonkey-read through before starting
http://www.simmworksfamily.com/2013/01/how-to-make-subway-art-on-picmonkey.html
Website
http://www.picmonkey.com/
So...what is Subway Art??? Subway Art is the technique of arranging type and type design, and using type modification to create a piece of work which can be visually captivating or to convey a thought provoking message or action. For your assignment, you will be finding one inspirational quote and using PicMonkey to create your piece of art.
*Find an inspirational quote. Below are a few sights to help you get started. http://www.brainyquote.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes
*Following the link below to PicMonkey and begin to create your piece. Be creative with colors, backgrounds, and text. The main thing to know about PicMonkey...you can't save it on the Nobi's, so you need to finish your final piece in one class period.
Tutorial on PicMonkey-read through before starting
http://www.simmworksfamily.com/2013/01/how-to-make-subway-art-on-picmonkey.html
Website
http://www.picmonkey.com/
6. MY YEARS AT PROPEL MCKEESPORT
Reflect back on your years spent at Propel McKeesport. Think of short phrases describing special events that you have enjoyed and stand out to you. Write a "phrase poem" about your experiences.
*Draft your poem
*Include a title that includes your name and twelve lines
*Use Google Doc template (make a copy before typing final)
*See picture below of what your finished product will look like.*
Example:
Over the Years by Mrs. Chlystek
Great students,
fun-filled field trips
Reading, writing, projects, and technology
starting each day ready to conquer the world
4Sights, PSSA's, and tests galore
big smiles and lots of laughs
being a mentor, a disciplinarian, and friend
finding ways for students to get excited about novels
seeing students succeed
preparation for high school
saying good-bye for now
Reflect back on your years spent at Propel McKeesport. Think of short phrases describing special events that you have enjoyed and stand out to you. Write a "phrase poem" about your experiences.
*Draft your poem
*Include a title that includes your name and twelve lines
*Use Google Doc template (make a copy before typing final)
*See picture below of what your finished product will look like.*
Example:
Over the Years by Mrs. Chlystek
Great students,
fun-filled field trips
Reading, writing, projects, and technology
starting each day ready to conquer the world
4Sights, PSSA's, and tests galore
big smiles and lots of laughs
being a mentor, a disciplinarian, and friend
finding ways for students to get excited about novels
seeing students succeed
preparation for high school
saying good-bye for now