Portfolio Blueprint Slides
Instructional Guide
Portfolio Blueprint
Create your 6-slide Canva or Google Slides portfolio.
"Reflection is the lamp of the heart."
1
Slide 1: Identity
Template Guide
Required Content:
- Creative Portfolio Title
- Your Name & Grade
- Subject: Grade 8 ELA
Design Tips:
Choose colors that represent you. Add a professional photo or icon.
Visual Area
2
Slide 2: Learning
Template Guide
Key Milestones
List 3 things you learned:
- Literary Analysis Skills
- Writing Genres
- Vocabulary Growth
"Design Tip: Use a mind-map graphic or custom icons for your list."
Requirement: At least 3 points.
3
Slide 3: Favorites
Template Guide
Favorite Topic:
Which lesson was your favorite? Explain the impact it had on you.
"I enjoyed this because..."
"This activity helped me see..."
Insert Image
Screenshot of your work.
4-5
Growth
Template Guide
Reflections
How has your thinking changed as a reader/writer?
"I used to think...
but now I know..."
Leveling Up
What specific skills will you work on next year?
"My goal is to improve...
by doing..."
6
Vision
Template Guide
Where are you heading?
What kind of writer do you want to become? What books do you want to tackle next?
Final Closing Statement:
End with a meaningful quote or mantra that inspires your learning journey.
Finish & Share
Final step: Submit your completed deck to your teacher!
Formal Letter Slides Challenge
Letter Writing Mastery
The Anatomy of a Formal Letter
The 7 Essential Parts
1
Sender's Address
Your address (without your name) at the top.
2
Date
The date the letter is written.
3
Inside Address
The recipient's name and address.
4
Salutation
Formal greeting (e.g., Dear Ms. Smith:).
5
Body Paragraphs
The main message, clear and concise.
6
Complimentary Close
Formal sign-off (e.g., Sincerely,).
7
Signature Line
Your printed name and handwritten signature.
Standard Block Format
- Everything is left-aligned (no indenting).
- Use single spacing within paragraphs.
- Use double spacing between parts and paragraphs.
- Use a clean font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial) at 12pt.
Sample: Professional Inquiry
123 Student Lane
Cityville, ST 54321
May 19, 2026
Ms. Elena Rodriguez
Director, Future Tech Institute
456 Innovation Way
Tech City, ST 98765
Dear Ms. Rodriguez:
I am writing to inquire about the upcoming summer internship program at the Future Tech Institute. As an eighth-grade student with a strong interest in software development, I have been following your company’s breakthroughs in AI for the past year.
I would appreciate receiving any information you have regarding application requirements and deadlines. Thank you for your time and for inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Sincerely,
Alex Rivera
Alex Rivera
Note the consistent left alignment and the formal colon after the salutation.
Mastering the Tone
DO USE
- • Formal titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.)
- • Full words (cannot, do not)
- • Professional openings ("I am writing to...")
- • Clear and polite requests
DO NOT USE
- • Slang or text-speak (u, lol, thx)
- • Contractions (can't, don't)
- • Vague language ("I want stuff...")
- • Overly emotional language
When in doubt, stay polite and direct!
Writing Prompt: Advocacy Letter
Choose one of the following scenarios and write a formal letter to advocate for a positive change in your community.
The Principal
Propose a new after-school club or a change to the school cafeteria menu.
The Mayor
Request more bike lanes or a new community garden in your neighborhood.
Local Business
Suggest a youth-friendly event or ask for a donation to a school fundraiser.
Activity Instructions
1. Choose your recipient and your goal.
2. Draft your letter using the Standard Block Format.
3. Verify that you have included all 7 essential parts.
4. Review for Formal Tone (No contractions or slang!).
GOAL: Clear, Polite, and Professional
Portfolio Project Sheet
Growth Portfolio
Grade 8 ELA Project Guide
Student:
Date:
Project Goal
Create a 6-slide digital portfolio using Canva or Google Slides. Showcase your ELA learning journey, reflect on growth, and set future goals.
The Slides
1
Identity
Creative Title, name, grade, and personal visual.
2
Learning
Identify 3 major skills or topics you mastered.
3
Favorites
Favorite lesson or book. Explain why.
4
Reflection
"I used to think... but now I know..." prompt.
5
Improvement
Skills to work on and your action plan.
6
Vision
Future learning goals and personal mantra.
Design Checklist
Consistent font styles
Relevant images or icons
Correct spelling & grammar
Logical flow between slides
Creative & original design
Followed the slide guide
