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Ode to an Orange

Link to adaptation:
https://vm.tiktok.com/43k2BM/

As I read Larry Woiwode's essay the text quickly became my interpretation of the author's words. Images I envisioned, smells I created, and sounds in my head were added to the written text. There were certain elements that stood out to me, and those sections became the text I based my media adaptation off of. The lyrical style of the text prompted me to use TikTok: a social media app I have no experience with, but I knew that it enabled creators to be artistic with their postings.

My process began by researching TikTok by exploring different functions. I discovered that I could upload various photos and choose from a variety of transitions to display my photos. Ode to an Orange moves to many different ideas quickly, so an episodic style slideshow sounded like a great fit for my adaptation. After enlisting the aid of my brother, I took pictures that captured impactful elements from the text including: "Mom, we think we're getting a cold," "water fireworks," "the green nib at the top, like a detonator, can be bitten off, as if disarming the orange," and "there is no proper way to eat an orange." Then I selected the images and slideshow style that best fit the message I wanted to convey: in this process, I discovered that I could add a filter. Finally, I added hashtags and posted the video.

I have become more literate in TikTok. Each social media app requires specific knowledge to navigate, share, and create. I feel more confident in my ability to use the app and teach others how to use it.

This creative project helped me realize the importance of choosing a text to introduce to my students. This text allowed for a multiplicity of interpretations and engaged me as an artist. I hope to choose a text that inspires students to create. The process informed me how I could prepare my students to create media. I would prompt them with instructions and questions to analyze the text and choose a possible media platform to adapt their work. Additionally, the process encourages students to explore, play, and discover: it asks students to become literate in a specific form of media.

From our discussions in class, I was very aware and attentive to copyright and consent. I asked my brother if he would be ok if I shared his image to my class. Also, I made sure that there were no copyrighted images in the media. Before giving my students an assignment with media creation, I need to inform them how to do it ethically and lawfully.

Comments

  1. First of all: AMAZING. Loved it.
    Second of all: my WHY behind loving it, which has to do with your connection between the theatrical and the written. I agree with what you said about associating sounds, images, and other senses with the words written in the Ode. It really does feel like a theatrical performance more than just words. That's really what stuck out to me in your adaptation and your explination of it: the written word is SO much more than written words. It is sound, it is image, it is taste and touch. I especially loved that you added such diverse facial expressions in the pictures with the oranges. Facial expressions are a from of communication, and they are present in the words in the essay, you just can't physically SEE them. Your adaptation brought that theatrical aspect to life in a way the words were trying to, but couldn't do as completely as your tiktok did.

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  2. Michael, I loved what you wrote about choosing good texts for our students to work with. I think you're so right, that that's what is going to be the catalyst for our students work and creativity. If we are able to choose a good and inspiring text, it will allow for a multiplicity of interpretations and will open a much wider and more interesting dialogue. Great job! I'm curious, do you have any ideas of how you might adapt this assignment for your own future classroom?

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