Literacy Program - Examples

Yesterday, I assigned the literacy program project. This project's goal is to help inspire reading, either through a poster campaign, a twitter campaign, or a video commercial. However, before students can begin their projects, they must write a proposal and get them approved, just like in a real job.

The proposals should answer questions like:

• Video commercial: Why have you chosen this option for yourself? Why is this a good way to reach the students? What will the video be of? What will happen? What will it look like? What type of information will it include? Are there characters? Will there be text? Do you have a special plan for colors? For sounds? For editing techniques? How and where will this video be seen?
•  Poster campaign: Why have you chosen this option for yourself? Why is this a good way to reach the students? What will your posters look like? Will they all be the same or will it be a series of posters? What information will the posters include? Will it have images? Text? How many posters will be made? Where will they be posted? Will they all appear at the same time?
• Twitter campaign: Why have you chosen this option for yourself? Why is this a good way to reach the students? How many tweets will there be? What will the tweets say? Will there be a hash tag (and what will it be and why)? Will there be any links to images, websites or videos? Why those sources? When will these tweets be posted and why at those days and times?

Here are some examples of finished projects and their owner's proposals. Not every student got 100%, but it might be helpful to get you started.

RYAN: Poster Campaign

Ryan's Proposal: Click Here

ALEX: Twitter Campaign

@alextoma1234 pic.twitter.com/AX10hW1V0D

— Alex Toma (@alextoma1234) September 14, 2015

Alex's Proposal: Click Here

TEDDY: Video Commercial


Teddy's Proposal: Click Here

I can't wait to read all of this year's proposals on the student blogs on Thursday!

New Year, New Class

I am excited to be teaching another semester of the Contemporary Literature elective here at U of D Jesuit High School for the 2016-2017 academic school year. To start off the first unit on Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore (Robin Sloane), I am asking my students to reflect on the following questions below. It's only fair that I answer them, too, right?

1. What have your previous experiences with English classes been like?
2. Do you like to read? Why or why not?
3. What do you hope to get out of this Contemporary Literature class?

English class has always been my favorite. Even though I may have had better grades in math, I loved the actual time spent in an English class. Talking about novels, debating characters, or discovering unseen connections are all great things that come out of a discussion in an English class. It not only gives you the chance to read, but to learn more about what you read and appreciate it on an even deeper level. And English classes allow you to share with others and learn more about them, using books as your bridge. It's great! Now, that's not to say that some of my professors haven't been complete disappointments. Pre-1830 literature? Not always my cup of tea. However, the positives have far outweighed the duds.

I love to read. This summer, I read 18 novels and listened to 3 audio books. I like the chance to experience other places, other lives, other adventures. Reading has always been a fun way to escape into brand new worlds, at least for a little while. It's like getting to travel without having to leave the comfort of my couch.

I'm excited to be teaching this class again. I decided to keep the same four novels as last year because, even though last year was a fantastic experience, I still think I can do a little better. So I'll try again with this new batch of six juniors and seniors and get the pacing and schedule just right before shaking things up next year. This is provided, of course, that my current students have a wonderful time and brag about it to all their friends so they sign up as well. Spread the word! Contemporary Literature is where it's at!

Mr. Davidson's Summer Reading: