Everything You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Literary Service Projects

As part of their midterm exam, Creative Writing Workshop students must come up with a plan for a LITERARY SERVICE PROJECT. This project must, in some way, take their love of the written word out of the classroom and into the larger community. The plan itself is a requirement for the midterm; the implementation of the plan is a requirement for the final. Read: students have from the end of January until the beginning of June to make their plan a real, live occurrence! The plan must contain - but is not limited to - the following information:

*Who will be involved in this project? (Students may work individually or in small groups.)
*Who is our audience? Who will be helped as a result of our efforts?
*Where will our project take place?
*Will it be a one-time occurrence or will it happen over the course of several weeks?
*When will our project be put into action?
*What contacts do I need to make/to whom must I reach out in order to make my project a reality?
*What resources and/or materials will I need?
*Why am I doing this?

During the final exam, students must provide evidence (in writing, in photographs, in video) of their experience. They also must reflect on it in writing: was I successful? did I do something important for others? how did people react to my work? etc.

I am always impressed and surprised by where students take this project. Here is a sampling of some student-generated literary service projects, past and present:

*Chris's mother works in a lawyer's office. Chris got permission to post a selection of her favorite poetry in the waiting area. Individuals will be able to offer feedback on the postings - and the subject of poetry in general - on a survey that Chris will make and provide.

*Seniors Jody and Melanie are going to create their own "favorite poetry t-shirts" (seven of them) and wear a different one each day during one week in April (National Poetry Month). Since no one can resist reading a t-shirt, they hope to spark someone's interest in poetry. They are also going to decorate their vehicles with poems so that everywhere they go, they will be a traveling billboard for the art they love.

*Eric, who works at the local coffeeshop, is going to organize and host a poetry open mic night for the community.

*Former students Jess, Julia, and Robert engaged in "Drive-By Poetry," where they spoke poetry to passers-by at local parks, where they went through the Dairy Queen drive-thru and wowed the attendant with their spoken word prowess, where they videotaped themselves sharing poems with secretaries, cashiers, and other individuals.

*Brian, Tom, Michelle, and Sarah went back to their elementary school and spent the morning sharing their love of writing with third and fourth graders. They planned a variety of kid-friendly writing activities, culminating in a reading celebration.

*Jenn became pen-pals with Amber, a middle school student who struggled with writing. Jenn sent Amber some of her own poetry, wrote a paired story with her, and showed her that writing could be a lot of fun. It was an experience for which Amber - and her parents and teacher - were incredibly thankful.

These are just a few of SO MANY incredible ideas that students have created and implemented over the years. This project empowers students and allows them to inspire others with their love of the written word. What could be better? :)

Next Topic: planning a poetry reading or open mic coffeehouse event - in your classroom or beyond!

Midterm Mayhem!

In my creative writing class, the midterm exam takes the form of a project as opposed to a traditional test. Midterms usually happen near the end of January, so I try to explain the project to my students as soon as possible upon returning from vacation. This gives them plenty of time to work on it and do a good job. I do give them some class time, but they must consider it to be their homework. During the two hour exam period, students must present their work to the rest of the class by choosing a few highlights from their project to discuss.

Here are some directions I give to first level CW students as to what they must include in their portfolios:

an original title;

a “Table of Contents” page including page numbers, titles, etc.;

a collection of poems by other authors - at least two must include written responses for your preferences - pick out favorite lines, interpret the language, share your insights, etc.;

a collection of original poems - make sure that these poems are final-FINAL draft quality - re-edit for spelling, word choice, punctuation, structure, etc. - pick out your three strongest pieces and include written responses for your choices (see above);

a collection of Internet sites and books that you have found useful (and/or interesting) in your study of poetry - again, include reasons/specific information;

drawings, collages, paintings, photographs, etc. (sculpture? You-name-it: some type of visual representation) to accompany at least two of the poems in your portfolio - please do not merely download images from the Internet or paste in clip art;

extras - quotes, poetic song lyrics, thoughts that wish to be placed in the corner of a page, favorite lines from a friend’s poem, your favorite grammar school poem, a Cubist drawing of your favorite poet, a cherished piece from last year’s issue of Calliope, etc. - a lot of freedom here;

option A: poet information page
option B: the “performance” of a poem
(You may choose EITHER “A” or “B.”);

a self-assessment of your midterm project and your performance in Creative Writing up to this point. Please include the following items in your assessment: 1) a letter grade for your midterm project and an explanation of the grade, 2) your perceived strengths as a writer, 3) your perceived weaknesses, 4) the most significant piece of information you have learned about yourself as a result of this class or as a result of writing in general.

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Second level students are required to create their own "zines," compose a plan for a literary service project, and complete an additional project of their choosing. My next blog entry will center on the idea of literary service projects (which are always a HUGE hit!). See you next time!