So, my students are really enjoying the desktop publishing projects. We have learned the elements of design, print type, and print graphics--which is boring book work to them. But, as we learn new terms like captions, drop caps, white balance, rule-of-thirds, etc. we are creating a family calendar that includes all those elements. To simplify the concepts (and to get some grades in the gradebook), they have a rubric for two months at a time. Each Friday they turn in just two months for a daily grade. The grades were not so great on Jan. and Feb. but now that they are referring more often to the rubric, the grades are improving exponentially.
This week, they are creating a one-page recipe to add to our class cookbook, again including all the design elements. They get (have to) bring the final product (food) to the classroom for pictures. I mentioned that once the photo is taken, they can share the food with the class, or take it back home. I assume they will want to share their creations.
The purpose of this post is to help teachers excite the complacent student. If your classroom is similar to mine, you know of the constant struggle to get kids to come to class consistently and be willing to learn. I often tell my students that I do not have a degree in Entertainment, and the fact that they may be enjoying the class is just a foturnate circumstance.
