LITERARY VALENTINES                           

Project URL:  http://www.teachnet-lab.org/IS24/pshea/Iiteraryv.htm

How it works:

 1. Students engage in conversations and inquiry concerning the traditions of Valentine's Day, the composition of sentiments/ greetings, etc.

2. Students select characters from a literary work read during the term.

3. Students compose, using the writing process, sentiments to be placed in Literary Valentines .

4. Students design Valentine using technology, selecting fonts, color and symbols appropriate to the creation of the character's message.

5. Students create and publish the Valentines.

6. Students share projects with class and teacher.

Evaluation:

Checklists will be disseminated during the orientation to the project.
Students engage in informal peer reviews in small groups. Students and teacher design a rubric to be used for later evaluation/assessment of project.
Both student and teacher assesses project after publication. 

Software materials used:

Students will utilize word processing skills, art-design software to create crafts/cards, such as: Microsoft HomePublishing 2000, Print Artist, Print Shop. Students may also scan art work or other illustrations/photos.

Standards addressed:

Reading: Read 25 books of quality

Writing: Produce a response to literature

Speaking, Listening and Viewing :

-Participate in group meetings

-Prepare and deliver an individual presentation

Conventions, Grammar and Usage:

-Demonstrate an understanding of the rules of the English language in written and oral work.

-Analyze and subsequently revise work to improve its clarity and effectiveness.

Literature:

-Respond to nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive and critical processes.

The students:

The students are seventh graders of average ability.  Many are taking a computer class at the same time, so they have familiarity with graphic design.

Overall value:

To create Literary Valentines student readers must understand the interrelationships among characters in stories, books, and poems.  Using inference and character analysis, students respond creatively and thoughtfully to text.

In addition, the use of appropriate fonts, symbols and color in the technology-based artistic design aspect of the project provides students with the ability to further develop their interpretations of story character and setting.

Tips for teachers:

This project is designed for implementation prior to Valentine's Day, February 14th. The teacher should be able to guide the students in the use of the computer programs including word processor and art/craft design software, as well as the laser scanner. 

Pat Shea-Bischoff is a teacher at I.S. 24 in Staten Island, New York.  Pat is also the International Reading Association Coordinator for New York State and former President of the New York State Reading Association.

Estimated class periods to complete: 5

Beginning Grade level: 7

Ending Grade level: 12

Subject Area: English, Arts

E-mail: patsb@aol.com