The activities below are based on the National Core Theatre Standards for grades 3 to 5
This week’s Art Lab assignment will be carried out with the other members of your group. You will pick one of Aesop’s fables to dramatize, then fill out the “Turn a Fable into a Play” worksheet. Using this as a template, create a script, masks and props for your play. Your group will collaborate on envisioning the characters and deciding what role each member of the group will take. The plots of the fables are simple. So your play will be quite short, only 3-5 minutes.
When you have finished your script, someone in your group will type it up and send copies to group members.
A copy of the script will be given to the teaching assistant after the play is presented in class.
Take digital photos of your group with their masks and props. The best of these will be used for your individual portfolio assignment. (See steps below.)
Arts Lab Assignment (Group Classroom Project for Grades 3-5)
- Choose One of Aesop’s Fables
- “Turn a Fable into a Play” Worksheet May Be Downloaded Here (Follow Worksheet Instructions)
- Assign roles, create masks and costumes. (You may have to finish work on the masks and costumes at home.)
- Take pictures of masks and/or of group members in costumes (for use in portfolio assignment)
- Each group member uploads digital photo for their portfolio assignment and records audio comments on character/role in the play. Some suggestions: What does your character do with his/her hands, legs? How does he/she move? Is he/she fast or slow (shuffles, jumps, hops, walks, run)s? Describe their attitude/personality: shy, sly, quiet, loud, angry, funny, etc.
- Next week: present play to class