Unit One: Literacy Narrative
Project OverviewLiteracy is a problematic word in this day and age. What does it really mean to be literate? At the core of the definition lies proficiency in writing and reading, but how do we know what proficiency is? Where do computers come into play? Do video games count? No matter what type of relationship we have with literacy, we can all think back to a time when literacy was a problem or a gift. Many people align their lives with a book, movie, game, or many other sorts of narratives. Now it’s time to tell your own story.
A literacy narrative is a space for reflection and expression where you can use your creativity to convey your story. Everyone knows how to tell a story, but it is the selection of content and your style which shapes a good narrative. Your literacy narrative is meant to capture experiences, artifacts, and influences from your background of reading and writing in all its forms. What does literacy mean to you? While writing your narrative, reflect critically on specific moments (good or bad) that shaped you into the reader and writer you are today. Likewise, think about what your goals pertaining to literacy may be as you enter into college—what does the future hold for you, given your path so far? |
Unit Schedule |
Questions to Consider
· Was there a specific person (literacy sponsor) or places which played a significant role in your literacy?
· Do you identify with a specific artifact in your literacy history?
· What does literacy mean to you? How would you define literacy?
· Did reading or writing come easy to you? Did you have a method of learning? Did you always enjoy/hate it?
· Do you identify with a specific artifact in your literacy history?
· What does literacy mean to you? How would you define literacy?
· Did reading or writing come easy to you? Did you have a method of learning? Did you always enjoy/hate it?
Expectations and Evaluation
· A well-told story (Development): A good narrative is one that is well-told and keeps the attention of the reader. There is often a conflict and resolution to the story or an agenda that can be found. The need for resolution or discovery keeps the reader engaged until the end.
· Details (Time-Place Specificity): Details are what bring a story to life. When a story has vivid details and artifacts the reader can visualize or relate to, the story becomes authentic and tangible. A good story finds the balance between too much and too little detail.
· Significance (Definition of Literacy): It is important for the narrative to hold significance with the author. The literacy narrative is supposed to reflect an important moment or series of events that the writer finds significant to their journey of learning to read or write.
· Well-Written (Correctness): Not only is the content important for the narrative, but so is the way in which it is constructed. Even though this essay is self-reflective, the expectation is that this narrative will be a well-constructed college essay using proper grammar and spelling.
· Details (Time-Place Specificity): Details are what bring a story to life. When a story has vivid details and artifacts the reader can visualize or relate to, the story becomes authentic and tangible. A good story finds the balance between too much and too little detail.
· Significance (Definition of Literacy): It is important for the narrative to hold significance with the author. The literacy narrative is supposed to reflect an important moment or series of events that the writer finds significant to their journey of learning to read or write.
· Well-Written (Correctness): Not only is the content important for the narrative, but so is the way in which it is constructed. Even though this essay is self-reflective, the expectation is that this narrative will be a well-constructed college essay using proper grammar and spelling.
Formatting:
· About 1200 words (can be slightly over, not under)
· Double spaced, Times New Roman font
· 1 inch margins
Due Dates:
-Half draft (about 600 words) due: September 23, 2014
-Project and Portfolio due: September 25, 2014
· About 1200 words (can be slightly over, not under)
· Double spaced, Times New Roman font
· 1 inch margins
Due Dates:
-Half draft (about 600 words) due: September 23, 2014
-Project and Portfolio due: September 25, 2014