Narrative/Symbolism Project

Directions: You will need to create a family crest that paints a picture of who you are. This is a symbolic representation of yourself, not a literal one so it will need to have the following:

  • Four pictures that represent what is important to your family. (i.e. values, activities, etc.) Basically who is your family through pictures. Remember Symbolic (Love=heart)! Each picture is worth 5 points for a total of 20.
  • Five pictures that represent items that are important to you. 25pts.
  • One picture that represents the meaning of your family name. (This will require a bit of research.) 5pts.
  • The project will need to be done on poster board, card board, wood, etc. It may NOT be done on computer or notebook paper. It should be big enough so that everything is visible even to the students in the back. It also needs to be in the shape of a family crest. (Extra credit points will be added if you incorporate your family’s crest into it.) 5pts.
  • Your pictures may be painted, sketched, colored, etc. They may NOT be printed or from a magazine or paper, etc. Stickers may ONLY be used to enhance your crest not as a representation of your items. This is NOT a collage; this is a project that requires your thought, time, and effort. (Hint: If you are not artistic, stencils and such are a wonderful friend.) Everything should be arranged NEATLY and CREATIIVELY! (10pts for every picture that is done correctly and 15pts for creativity and neatness = 25pts)
  • A narrative that tells the story of you and how these symbols relate to your life will need to be attached to the back of the crest. The story should include all of the plot elements (setting, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) and be a minimum of 3 paragraphs. You must also include your sensory details or imagery. (5 points for plot elements, 1 point for each paragraph, and 2 points for use of imagery = 10pts.)
  • You will need to present your project. To present all you need to do is show us the crest and tell your story. Notice I did NOT say read your story. I want you to address the audience and not be looking down. Make sure you are dressed appropriately and that everyone can hear you. (2pts for each of the following: eye contact, volume/tone, appropriate attire, pacing, and enthusiasm = 10pts)