In this project, each student got the amazing opportunity to about something that matters to US. I find it hard to read or write about things that I don't find interesting. Due to the lack of boundaries and restrictions we had, the book was in our hands. We could literally do whatever we wanted. The creativity was endless. How do you tell someone what matters to them? You can't! We were able to design everything about the book. From the design of the cover, to the font, to even the layout within the book. Adventure, sports, personal growth, family, and knowledge. |
Below you can find the process we took throughout this project.
- We had a free write.
- We critiqued last years book, looking at what we like about the book and what we would like to do differently.
- We did a 1 = 18 topics.
- We looked at writing purposes.
- We looked at mentor texts.
- We began writing down drafts.
- We did a "Scissors Critique," where we cut up our pieces and rearranged them into new structures.
- The we revised and revised and revised until we got the final product.
As you can see, in my original 1 = 18 topics, I wrote about judo. Judo is something that I have done my entire life. From the age of 3 I was on the mat, eager to get going. But when it was time to get going on writing our down drafts, I couldn't. I found myself stuck in a situation where I could no longer stand it. I felt like it was all I ever talked about. Like it was me ... but that is not the only thing I want people to know about me. I decided to just let myself start writing, see where it will take me.
Below is my first down draft.
After several revisions and critique from others, I noticed a repeated pattern. This sense of negativity people got when reading my piece. But what if that is what I wanted them to feel? Maybe I wanted them to see how frustrated I get when someone asks me why I am quiet. Or maybe I just wanted to show that quiet people can speak up and stand their ground. I did however agree that I could be a little less harsh in the tone I use. So I revised and revised and revised. After a total of four completely different drafts, each still managing to get my message across, I finally was proud of one piece. It truly does show my personality and self dependence. I didn't want to sugar coat the situation, I honestly do HATE it when people ask me why I am quiet. Even just writing this piece, I felt anger and frustration overcoming me and I think it might have shown throughout my final piece.
Below is my final piece.
Overall, I am very happy with the way my piece turned out. Some still say it is very negative and harsh, but that is who I am. I don't care if that is what people think because in the end it is what matter to me. For future writing I plan to use what I learned from this project, write about what matters to you. Honestly, I don't think I would change anything about my piece. Although for my own pleasure, when I get the chance I do plan on continuing with this theme and writing about things that matter to me. |