Writing Portfolios that Get Results

Serious writers who want to attend college creative writing programs compete for scholarships  or gain admission to pre-college programs often need solid writing portfolios that stand out from the crowd. Writing portfolios are more than just a compilation of a student’s best works.  All portfolios should have a cohesive theme and guiding purpose. 

Clearly, creating a writing portfolio that stands out from the competition requires skill, forethought and an added dose of innovative persuasiveness. In this practical class, students will produce both a digital and print portfolio that will rival the best submission to the most competitive college or university writing program. No matter where your child is in the process, this class will offer valuable instruction and direction.

Writing portfolios might include essays, stories, plays, segments of novels, spoken word, poems, news articles, blogs, etc. and often determining what to include in the portfolio can seem elusive to even the most astute creative student.  Students will learn to narrow the focus of their works. They will also learn to create material based on a specific theme. All students will learn how to masterfully plan or improve their writing portfolio. 

Whether they have started their portfolio or not, students will find this class beneficial because they will be guided step-by-step in the completion or improvement of this seemingly ominous project. They will also have the opportunity to connect with other writers and gain encouragement from them as well.
 
Each class will begin with a brief presentation supplemented by an edpuzzle.com video. Then students will ask questions. Some writing websites and other portfolio resources will be shared in class. These topical hyperlinks will be shared with students as each one relates to the weekly goals of the class. Homework will be assigned outside of the class. The exact way to approach the homework will be covered in class. Assignments will be completed independently and then reviewed in class.  

:In this class learners will: 
(1) Students will discuss the purpose of writing portfolios and determine the goal of their writing portfolios. 
Activities: Completion of writing portfolio focus .and potential digital layout of portfolio using suggested resources
(2) Students will determine the direction, theme and approach for their portfolios. 
Activities: Theme explanation and outline of biography and/or reflective essay.
 (3):Students will compose a theme-based table of contents based on their portfolios.
Activities: Completion first draft of biographies and/or writing prompts
(4): Students will collectively compose a reflective piece (essay or prose) to connect their writing pieces. 
Activities: Completion of the first draft of the reflective essay and writing prompt and 	     Present a mock-up of the writing portfolio including TOC and reflective essay.
(5): Students will discuss writing contests, BFA college/ university programs, special writing programs.
Activities: Completion of the sample mock-up portfolio.Optional-Present a mock-up (pdf) of the writing portfolio including TOC and reflective essay
(6):Students will review the writing portfolio process as it applies to different schools and the tools used to produce their portfolio. 
Activities: Individual plan to proofread the final portfolio with date for completion..