“Oh No,”… Not Another Writing Assignment!

“Do we have too”, is the question I hear all the time in my classroom.  I am known as the “harder” teacher in my media communications program.  Let’s face it, today’s high school students do not enjoy writing.  I tinkered around with an idea some years ago that I’m currently still using in the classroom.  The assignment is called a “Media Kit;” when in reality, it should be called “how to write a term paper 101.”  I would like to share this project with those of you who are thinking about teaching Post-Secondary English and Writing.

#1 – Let students choose an artist/entertainer/actor/musician that they would like to become their personal Public Relations Agent.  Tell students that they will be preparing their press info for an upcoming event.

#2 – Give students the opportunity to research everything they can about their person.  The research must include some background information – (birthdate, place of birth, history of their career, discography, etc.), some personal information – (relationships, career with record companies/producers, goals, accomplishments, etc), and some recent information – (what is the artist currently doing now).  

I always have students to use a combination of the internet, newspapers, books, and magazines as sources.  Be sure to tell students to keep track and log every source that they’re using.

After this information is compiled, the students will begin their first writing draft.  Their papers should include a biography, chronological events of their life, what’s currently going on in their career, and a press release statement (that will mention the artist hosting an upcoming event).  You can assign extra credit for students who submit photos and create a personal binder for their artist. 

#3 – Assign a due date for the rough draft and final Media Kit.  The kit, not including, the press release sheet, should be at least 2-3 pages.  All of the sources should be listed as a bibliography page.  

#4 – Once the project is completed, it should look like this:  Bio, Artist Profile, Bibliography Page, Press Release, and *photos (optional)

I like this project because students really get into supporting their favorite artist.  They’re more interested in this then telling them to write a term paper on “blah, blah, blah.”  I have saved several past projects and share those with students so that they can gather ideas for theirs.  When the Media Kits are completed each student is asked to share their client’s (artist) kit with the entire class in a verbal presentation. 

Feel free to modify the project to your liking.