Vignette Book Project
Teacher Reflection: This was a special project for me to teach because I remember doing the same project back when I was in 9th grade! This was the first project we did this school year, and I think it was a great way to get to know students and hear their stories. We started the project by reading A House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros for inspiration. Students began their own books by freewriting about various prompts. Then, we went through a revision process. I created a “menu” with different techniques for students to try in order to improve their writing. After revising and editing their pieces, students created art pieces to match each vignette and began constructing their own books.
Check out some student work! Every book is super unique in terms of both aesthetic and content. Each student's authentic voice shines through in their writing and art. Enjoy!
Check out some student work! Every book is super unique in terms of both aesthetic and content. Each student's authentic voice shines through in their writing and art. Enjoy!
Student Reflection: The Vignette Books are just another project that I loved, and it is definitely in the top 3 for my “favorite projects” list. I enjoyed this project for two reasons. The first is that I got to write. I may not be the best writer, but it’s something I enjoy doing. The second reason is that it involved art. I got to go wild with my creativity, and it didn’t take me too long to find the emotion of each of my writing pieces and turn that into art. This is something that I think I did the best I could with time management AND managing how much writing and content I balanced out. One problem that I ran into towards the end of this project was that I didn’t have a plan for how I was going to glue, tape, or make the writing and art (that was on a separate piece of paper) stick to the booklet.
Student Reflection: The concept of creating a small, colorful booklet for school is not a new one. To be entirely truthful, at the start of the project I was not enthused in the slightest. However, shortly after the first phases were complete, I was hooked. Generally speaking, this was a fun project; lots of opportunity for creativity and individuality. Looking back, I do think I let my perfectionism get the best of me, spending unnecessary time on particular parts of the project, trying to make it be nice. If I were to do this project over again, I would remind myself to move on. Get everything done first, revise and edit later, because I can’t be expected to do everything at once.
My favorite part of this project was the art aspect, I am not an artsy person but I had just purchased a paper cutter, allowing me to make straight cuts. It was so exciting, I love paper cutters.
On another note, after going through some of my classmates’ work, I have new ideas that I would implement if I were to do this project again. They are amazing, so creative.
My favorite part of this project was the art aspect, I am not an artsy person but I had just purchased a paper cutter, allowing me to make straight cuts. It was so exciting, I love paper cutters.
On another note, after going through some of my classmates’ work, I have new ideas that I would implement if I were to do this project again. They are amazing, so creative.
Student Reflection: With my vignette book, I was able to expand my knowledge about how to write in different genre’s. I was very satisfied with the way my vignette book turned out, and was glad to see my personal progress throughout this project. I did not divulge into details because I still struggle with writing about my own personal life, which probably makes my work less clear. If I was to improve my work, it would be my writing, not because I don’t like it; simply because I am still learning about writing personal vignettes
Student Reflection: My personal experience with this was amazing, I felt like this was a time where I can create anything. I enjoy creative writing and drawing (although I'm not the best at drawing), so this was a perfect open window for me! All of these vignettes represent me, for example how I love dying my hair because it's a way to express my identity. I enjoy creative writing and storytelling but one thing I'd change about this is to make all of these Vignettes "connect" with one another as you flip the page. I felt like I could have found a clever way to foreshadow the next one. Overall, this has to be one of my favorite projects I've done for this 9th-grade year!
See all student vignette books here!