The Kite Runner: Frontloading

(due as a comment to this post; worth a quiz grade; 0 to + holistic scale)

Part A: Click here to visit the CIA's World Fact Book. Peruse the Afghanistan page on this site and respond to the following questions:

1. What are the top eight agricultural products? What product is #1? 

2. What is the life expectancy rate? What is the infant mortality rate? What deeper issues are typically reflected in these statistics?

3. How many kilometers of coastline does Afghanistan possess? How might this number have contributed to the country's history?

4. Identify the transnational issues that Afghanistan faces. 

5. Construct a thesis statement that encapsulates the essence of the Afghan nation (both its assets and its challenges). 

Part B: Click here to visit The Boston Globe's "The Big Picture: Afghanistan." View each photograph (use your judgement for the objectionable pieces) and read the corresponding footnotes. Choose the most powerful image to prompt a piece of short fiction. Write a descriptive passage that embodies the "show vs. tell" technique.

Part C: Read this article on the Hazaras. Produce a thesis statement that encapsulates the author's characterization of their culture and plight and illuminates the purpose of the text.

Part D: FOR EXTRA CREDIT (200-point Quiz): Click here to view the Frontline Program: "The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan." Take notes as evidence for your viewing.

If you happen to finish early, please proofread your work carefully. 

Seniors: This I Believe & The Moth

For this final unit, you will compose a "This I Believe" statement and deliver a "Moth" story.

Before you develop your own “This I Believe” statement, peruse and listen to existing testimonials here. Use the “explore” tab to search for 5 intriguing statements. For each statement, note the following:

1. author/speaker

2. crux or “thesis” of statement

3. 3 observations regarding style, delivery, structure, or other storytelling elements

4. your attitude in relation to the speaker’s

Once you have completed this step, begin constructing and refining your own statement.

Visit “The Moth” site. Select and listen to 3 stories. For each story, note the following:

1. speaker and title

2. theme of the story

3. 3 observations regarding style, delivery, structure, or other storytelling elements

4. your attitude in relation to the speaker’s story

5. a score (based on our rubric)

Then, click here to learn some storytelling tips. Once you have completed this step, begin constructing and refining your own story.

Please submit your notes as a comment to this post. Be sure to include your name. 

Advanced Creative Writing (Underclassmen): Exploring Creativity

1. What is creativity? Explore credible definitions of creativity and credit, present, and analyze (briefly) each definition. Based on your estimation of its true definition, generate a list of 10 highly creative individuals, and briefly defend each selection.

2. Watch Ken Robinson's RSA Animate Lecture. How might school policy stimulate more student creativity?

3. Check out Stephen Wiltshire and his artwork. What lesson(s) can his experiences teach us about the creative mind? There may be no doubt that he is talented- do you think he's creative? What questions might his abilities and achievements generate?

4. Read this article on Creativity & Play. Recall and describe a time when play induced a creative spirit for you.

5. How might a student display creativity in a discipline that may not be traditionally regarded as creative? Describe a creative endeavor you've participated in in a "non-creative" arena.

6. Choose 2 of the following Pablo Picasso quotes to consider and explain. Indicate both his intention and your interpretation (related to writing and other creative endeavors) of the selected quotes.

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

Everything you can imagine is real.

I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.

Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.

Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.

Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.

It takes a long time to become young.

Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.

Picture Perfect Photo Voting

Please click here.

Seniors: "This I Believe" & "The Moth"

For this final unit, you will compose a "This I Believe" statement and deliver a "Moth" story.

Before you develop your own “This I Believe” statement, peruse and listen to existing testimonials here. Use the “explore” tab to search for 5 intriguing statements. For each statement, note the following:

1. author/speaker

2. crux or “thesis” of statement

3. 3 observations regarding style, delivery, structure, or other storytelling elements

4. your attitude in relation to the speaker’s

Once you have completed this step, begin constructing and refining your own statement.

Visit “The Moth” site. Select and listen to 3 stories. For each story, note the following:

1. speaker and title

2. theme of the story

3. 3 observations regarding style, delivery, structure, or other storytelling elements

4. your attitude in relation to the speaker’s story

5. a score (based on our rubric)

Then, click here to learn some storytelling tips. Once you have completed this step, begin constructing and refining your own story.

"Picture Perfect" Images: Advanced Creative Writing