For my literacy narrative I will be telling the story of how video games helped me to read, and were ultimately my first experience in attempting to read. When I was around three or four years old, video games were a big deal for my older brother and sister. They were always playing the Super Nintendo, but never letting me join in, claiming I didn't know how to play. Granted, I really didn't know how to play, so I decided I wanted to learn. When my brother and sister were at school, I would have my mom help me set up Super Mario World or Yoshi's Island so I could play. Quickly, though, I realized that playing video games involved reading the words that popped up on the screen, giving directions, and also telling the story behind the game. I was very curious as to why this little man named Mario was trying to find Princess Peach, so I would have my mom sit with me and read what the characters were saying (and she had to speak in character, I might add). Eventually she got tired of this and decided that it was time for me to learn to read on my own, buying me a little reading kit which she went over with me, sounding out words and reading simple sentences. Eventually, I worked my way up to being able to slowly read the words that appeared in the video games, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the stories of Mario, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, and many more.
By the time I was five, we had an N64 on which I continued to play many video games and follow the stories of these characters. Then, we got a game that changed everything for me, and that was the Zelda game Ocarina of Time. I was captivated not only by playing this game, but by the story and characters in the game. I would go through my brother's video game magazines, looking through for any articles on Zelda. My love of Zelda and its fantasy world eventually led me to seek out books that dealt with the fantasy world. I will expand upon how this lead to my love of reading.
I am thinking that I will create a video by creating many little drawings, depicting me going through the events I described above. I am debating whether I want to do a voice over or put text on the screen.
I really like your idea for your proposal. The fact that video games helped you read is really interesting and I think it will be a great way to make an entertaining video for your literacy narrative. The only criticism I have, is that you might want to watch out for precision in your drawings. If your drawings aren't clear, it will make it hard for the audience to follow along.
ReplyDeleteI think your idea for this project is so unique! I agree with Olivia I would watch out for how precise the drawings are. Also I think that a voice over would be more effective than text. The voice over clearly communicates it to the viewer without distracting them with both text and drawings on you page. If you do choose to do a voice over just be careful of the timing between the drawings and the voice overs. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYour topic is very unique and I can certainly relate to it! When I was younger, I would play the Harry Potter video game on the PS2 and I totally agree that reading is a major component of any kind of video game. I like how you incorporated reading into the concept of video games, something fun for a young child. My one question for you now is: how did the love of reading books in the fantasy genre lead you to where you are today? I think it would be cool to add how your love of reading these kinds of books helps you academically or professionally. That is my only critique.
ReplyDeleteYour topic is very unique: one that I'm sure not many cold relate to, yet very interesting. Therefore, I suggest you really focus on both showing and explaining your experience with this. Maybe incorporating a personal account by your mom or siblings about the experience. Maybe explaining how these characters stories affected your life. You have many options, and therefore I think that more time focused on how to develop your ideas will help to create a better overall product.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea for your project, as it is original and creative! You have a very specific story as to how video games helped you learn to read, and how it expanded your passion later on as well. I like that you include the struggle of being told by your siblings that you couldn't play with them; this really adds to your story as any hard work or effort does not always come easy. I think you should put a lot of focus on Ocarina of Time, as you say this game was the changing point for you and truly expanded your passion of reading. Also, if you still play video games, maybe it would be good to include how you now view the stories, characters, and text in the games as you have grown up. Great idea, and good luck!