The first assignment entailed writing a poem that used all the elements of poetry, putting the poem to music, and performing the newly created song for the class. The second assignment was to write a Myth, Legend, or Folk tale using a personal experience as the basis for the story. The students then told, not read, the story to the class as if they were carrying on an oral tradition I believe this project has great value to our students and parents. The ability to view what and how your student is learning gives parents a view they normally don't get to see. Most parents wonder what is happening in the classroom but can't take the time to come to school and visit.
School can now go home to the parent - what a novel approach.
I believe the project is moving forward at a very accelerated rate. I would like to see us slow down and assess the progress we have made and make some adaptations, if needed, based on our findings. I am very excited about video and computer portfolios as they open new doors to assessing student learning. My past attempts were thwarted by the inability of junior high age students to give or receive constructive criticism. Group projects were great for stimulating creative ideas and developing ability, but critiques were still uncomfortable for both junior high students and their parents.