Project 5 Grade 7

Following Projects can be assigned based on the lesson 5

Quality

Project / Portfolio 1

Write a monologue from the perspective of Mr. Gessler, expressing his thoughts, struggles, and passion for his craft.

In my workshop, I'm Mr. Gessler, the one who makes boots. A story is woven with care with each stitch. Making boots isn't just my work; it's my heart dancing with each pair. The leather, my canvas; the hammer, my gentle brush. 

But oh, the struggles! Big firms snatch the dance from us, leaving little room for our craft. They advertise while I quietly toil. 

Yet, I continue. I see beauty in each piece of leather, a promise to those who wear my creations. A silent dedication, though my pockets may be empty, my heart is rich with the love of boots.

Project / Portfolio 2

Create a timeline showing important moments in Mr. Gessler's life and when the narrator talked to him. Write down important sentences or describe each event from the story next to the pictures.

1. Early Years:

   Quote: "I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father’s boots."

   Description: Mr. Gessler, a skilled bootmaker, starts his journey in the small London shop.

2. Youthful Inquiry:

   Quote: "‘Isn’t it awfully hard to do, Mr Gessler?’"

   Description: Narrator's first interaction, curious about the art of bootmaking.

3. Quality Craftsmanship:

   Quote: "He made only what was ordered, and what he made never failed to fit."

   Description: Mr. Gessler's commitment to bespoke, quality boots.

4. Struggles Disclosed:

   Quote: "Dey get id by advertisement, nod by work."

   Description: Mr. Gessler shares the challenges of competition and changing trade practices.

5. Elder Brother's Passing:

   Quote: "Well, Mr. Gessler, how are you?" "I am breddy well, but my elder brudder is dead."

   Description: Narrator learns about the passing of Mr. Gessler's elder brother.

6. Enduring Legacy:

   Quote: "But he made good boots."

   Description: Despite hardships, Mr. Gessler's legacy is remembered for his craftsmanship.

7. Shop Takeover:

   Quote: "Oh! he answered, 'dead.'"

   Description: The narrator discovers Mr. Gessler's shop taken over after his passing.

8. Final Recognition:

   Quote: "I had given those boots up when one evening they came."

   Description: The narrator receives a final pair of exceptional boots from Mr. Gessler.

9. Legacy Lives On:

   Quote: "Yes, I said, he made good boots."

   Description: The lasting impact of Mr. Gessler's dedication to his craft.

Project / Portfolio 3

Examine the narrative techniques used by the author. Discuss how the story is structured, the use of dialogue, and the narrator's perspective. Highlight instances where the narrative style enhances the reader's understanding of the characters and themes. 

The author tells the story in a way that makes it easy for us to understand. 

They use talking between characters (dialogue) to show feelings and thoughts. 

The story goes step by step, like climbing stairs (structure). 

We hear the narrator's thoughts, like they are talking to us (perspective). 

When Mr. Gessler talks about his struggles, it helps us feel what he's going through. 

The author's style makes us see and care about the characters. 

It's like a picture in our minds that helps us know the people and why their story matters.

Project / Portfolio 4

Identify and analyse the themes present in the story, such as craftsmanship, competition, and the impact of societal changes on traditional trades. Discuss the symbolism of boots and how they represent more significant aspects of life.

In the story, important ideas or themes include making things with great care (craftsmanship), where people make things with their hands.

 There is also talk about many people making things (competition), and how it becomes hard for small businesses. 

The story shows that the world is changing, and sometimes it's difficult for people who make things in a special way. 

Boots in the story are like symbols, showing hard work and dedication. They represent more than just shoes; they show the love and effort people put into their work, even when things get tough.