Thus begins my blog for American Literature A. In this blog, I want to share what we are doing in class, why we are doing it, and what I hope the students will be able to do as a result of our efforts.
Currently, we are using Prezi (Prezi.com) to create graphic essays about the main theme for American Literature A, the American Dream. In class, we have been going through the 6 + 1 rubric that is used to evaluate essays. The categories are Ideas, sentence fluency, organization, diction, conventions, voice, PLUS presentation. Click here to see the link to my partially completed Prezi example. Once you access the site, press the play button and use the arrow keys to navigate forwards or backwards through my Prezi.
I believe the students are enjoying putting together their "Prezays," as I call them. The program is visually compelling, and for the more visual learners, this is a new way to see the uses for essays. I hope to show the class that any television production is likely written down, either on paper or digitally, before it is produced and broadcast. A least a few of my former students are currently writers, whether it be as book authors, playwrights, or editors. Writing and editing writing are definitely a marketable skills.
The student Prezis are due Thursday, September 29. We are going to present them in class, and concurrently, we are going to discuss what makes a quality essay, not to mention what goes into creating a compelling visual presentation.
At the same time, I hope to convince the students to at least understand why The Great Gatsby has been a game-changer for America, a book whose messages still resound today. That should keep us busy!
