Workshops
Multi-genre does not mean Multi Problems workshop: Norma A. Hubbard , teacher at Heritage Regional High School.
This workshop, based on Tom Romano's approach to multigenre writing, offered concrete ways to set up, organize, and assess multigenre papers. Multi-genre writing can be used at various levels, with modifications.
Activity – prepared for senior level writing
Telling a story without a story!
The Multi-genre Paper
The Multi-genre paper is not an exact science. For the purpose of this class, your multi-genre paper is a creative piece based on a person, place or event of significance in your life. The overall impact of the paper must offer insight into your selected topic – be brave and put a bit of yourself on paper!
The following is to guide you, but not limit you:
- Table of contents
Include an opening piece to guide the reader. This can be straightforward, such as an introduction, preface, foreword, or letter to the reader; or another piece that clearly indicates topic or theme.
- Total: 8 or more pieces of writing
- Use at least 5 different genres, and use whatever genres work for your topic.
- 6 pieces must be written; other pieces might be drawings, photos, flyers, etc.
- The length of the pieces is variable based on genre – however one piece must be 500 words or more.
- All written and artwork must be original. If photos are used, include captions or use to illustrate your text. Also discuss who took the picture in your endnotes.
- Total paper should be about 1000 – 1500 words, but this is a guide. I am more interested in the impact of the paper.
- Paper must have unit: a common narrative or theme must be present throughout the paper.
- Pieces should flow one into another. To link or connect use various techniques, such as repetition of word, images or genre.
- Be sure the genre used is suitable for the content. Do not limit yourself to the old tried and true genres; think outside the box! Remember this is a creative assignment.
- Endnotes: identify and discuss your choice of genre; discuss inspiration for each piece; and identify the real and the fictional elements of your work.
Reflection:
When your paper is complete write a reflection. Keep this separate from your paper.
Discuss your writing process. What inspired your topic? Reflect on your best piece(s) and
your less inspired one; what made these pieces best and/or weakest. What was your greatest challenge? Do you feel you have successfully conveyed your topic to the reader? What could have made this project easier for you; in other words, what would you change about the project? Be honest.
Evaluation:
Assessed with [MELS- Secondary 5] Writing Evaluation rubric
– 50% Paper, 10% Reflection – [with value of 40% of Term 4]
Due: _____________________________
More than 100 Genres & Sub-genres for the Multi-genre Paper
There is some overlap and the list is ongoing! Students will no doubt come up with more; just add them to the list. Email me new genres to add to my list: normaa.hubbard@rsb.qc.cc - See the list
References for Multi-genre writing
Public Teaching one kid at a time by Penny Kittle (Stories/Memoire)
ISNB: 0-325-00571-0
Blending Genre, Altering Style by Tom Romano (Resource)
ISBN: 0-86709-478-8
The Collected Works of Billy the Kid by Michael Ondaatje (Multi-genre novel)
ISBN: 088784-608-4
Tear of a Tiger by Sharon Draper (Multi-genre novel)
ISBN: 978-0-689-80699-5
Selected Journal of Jann Arden by Jann Arden (Multi-genre novel)
ISBN: 1-894663-36-5
The Diary of Hansel and Gretel by Kees Moerbeek (Multi-genre story)
ISBN: 0-689-84502-9
The Birth House by Ami McKay (Multi-genre novel)
ISBN: 978-0-676-97773-8
To Pause and Flutterby by Robert Morrison (Memoire)
ISBN: 0-9732787-3-0
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (Memoire)
ISBN: 978-0-7432-4754-2
A Teacher's Guide to the Multi-genre Research Project by Melinda Putz (resource)
ISBN: 0-325-00785-3
The Write Genre by Lori Jamison & Paul Kropp (Resource)
ISBN: 1-55138-172-9
Teaching 10 Fabulous Forms of Poetry by Paul B. Janesczko (Resource)
ISBN: 0-439-07346-4
Allison's World: A Multi-genre Fiction Piece (Resource of genres)
www.geocities.com/vanhove_3/CC.html
Dr. Nancy Mack , Associate Professor of English, Wright State University , Ohio (Resource)
www.wright.edu/~nancy.mack/multigen.htm
Your Multi-genre Web (Resource)
mshogue.com/ce9/multi_genre/multigenre.htm
Web English Teacher (Resource)
www.webenglishteacher.com/multigenre.html
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