“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ― Anais Nin
As a writing teacher, one of my mantras is that our writing is a time capsule. I encourage my young writers to use their writing as a tool to reflect on their personal and academic growth. I am always looking for ways to help my students publish their work. Whether it is hanging their poems outside the door of my classroom, finding writing contests for them to enter, or assigning digital compositions that can be widely shared on social media platforms.
However, for many of my students, creating a piece of digital writing can be intimidating. So I came up with an idea to start small. We start by writing a “story” that is exactly one-hundred words long. Before I even assign the digital component, I give them a list of prompts and tell them to choose one and write a piece that is one-hundred words long.
Prompts: Acorn Sewing a quilt Tangerine (lip gloss, curtains, tea, Cadillac) Mason Jar Lightening bugs An object you could not live without What voice do I use to be heard? Monarch butterfly Ice etched window pane Geraniums Unplugged Map Fishing A place where a memory hides/sleeps/waits A favorite sound (last school bell, ocean waves, baby giggling, popcorn) Poetic graffiti Making a fist Wearing a key around the neck Word sprout Three ring binder Pumpkin Unplug Sewing a quilt Hiding place Postage stamp Wrist watch Cappuccino Dirty window or mirror Spark plugs Popcorn Gingerbread house Chocolate milk Alphabet Writing to make sense of the world. Riddle Carburetor Fishing lure Northern Lights Tent Baking bread Five subject notebook You are the hero of your own story What makes me feel alive
After my students have written a story or poem, I give them the digital assignment (along with showing them student samples). They may use the piece that they composed with the prompts that I gave them, or they may choose another theme.
I tell them, “Just like the fact that we all have twenty-four hours a day and must use our time wisely, you have exactly one-hundred words for this assignment. How will you use yours?“
ASSIGNMENT:
Creative Writing: Waldo ~ Fall 2023 Digital Storytelling 100 Word Story
In flash fiction/non-fiction a writer can whittle down narrative and get to the very heart of the story. Flash Fiction or a Flash Non-Fiction attempts to accomplish a complete story in few words, therefore, the language in the piece must become precise and sparse. When we are forced to write within a 100 word frame every word becomes charged with intention and meaning. By combining flash fiction/non-fiction with the digital genre we can add extra layers of meaning with voice, music, and sound effects. Plus, it’s a great way to publish our writing and share our work with others.
Write a story/prose poem that is EXACTLY 100 words.
Come up with a title that goes beyond 100 Word Story (the title does not count in the 100 word total)
Turn your story into a digital piece by creating a video that goes along with the words.
Your video can be a series of still photos. (If you take images from the internet you must give credit to your sources)
You may partner up with another person to help you create this digital piece (but you each must create your own video). You can work with a friend of family member. If you have someone in your life that plays an instrument, creates artwork, or is digital literate you can ask them to help you. Just make sure that you give them credit for their work.
Over the years I have had much success with this assignment. I would like to share with you Sophia’s story.
Sophia is in the 9th grade and the fact that the background music is her playing the piano and that her dad helped filmed the footage – makes the entire composition even more splendid. Bravo, Sophia! I cannot wait to see what other masterpieces you weave with words, melodies, and images this year. #WeAreGACS
Glitter and Dog Hair 