Creative-based Assignment

The following is an activity to get 11th grade ELA students creatively thinking about the novel Dubliners. The unit will have focussed on the theme of paralysis on behalf of the characters, which Joyce attributes to the make up of the Dublin people.

Create an enriched environment…

• In preparation of the creative writing activity students will embark on, they will be provided with a number of factors to foster creative processes.

  • Classroom environment will allow students to group around chairs or desks with easy access to Chromebooks.

  • Online environment will provide stimulation of local sites and information. Links to pages on local cities and towns (Philly, or Deptford, or South Jersey). Links also provided on past examples of Dubliners (read in class) and other similar short stories (not read, but welcome to explore as examples)

  • An online discussion board for selected groups will be provided with a connected shared Google Doc

Teach creative thinking techniques…

• The assignment begins by asking students to brainstorm about the character of a chosen locale. Groups can select which locale they want to focus on from either Philadelphia, South Jersey, or their own town, Deptford. They are tasked with brainstorming the traits and characteristics that define the type of character found in those locals. This can be supported by personal experience as well as from the resources provided.

• Students will be provided with a discussion board and access to either a shared Google Doc or an interactive site like Padlet.

• Resources will also be provided to strategy and tip reminders about narrative writing techniques.

Let learners show what they can do…

• Students will take their group’s brainstorming efforts and use them to craft their own short story similar to those of James Joyce in Dubliners.

• Stories may include pictures/graphics as well. They may draw their own. They will be provided tools to graphic art sites (like Canva, etc). They may also use provided resources to stock photos and free to use graphics/photos (instead of taking copyrighted material from search engines).

• The final versions of stories will be collected and combined with those in their group to make a Dubliners-esque version of their own. Story collections will be posted online for class and others to read and see.

Teach respect for ideas and people…

• Students will be provided with a rubric outlining expectations of participation and demonstration (not necessarily of the product, which creates competition). The rubric will also outline levels of respect expected for the group, for the class, and for ideas of past and present.