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All grades  Project 9 weeks

"Valueverse: Heroes Unmasking School Spirit!"

Starry K
TH:Cr1.1.a
TH:Cr1.8.a
TH:Cr1.6.a
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The Valueverse Theater Project aims to immerse students in a creative exploration of school values through the dynamic lens of drama and storytelling. By embodying Value Victors and Villains, students will collaboratively craft performances that both entertain and educate, fostering a deeper understanding of respect, kindness, perseverance, collaboration, and integrity. Through this hands-on experience, students will connect with community partners and engage in self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, ultimately creating a shared narrative that celebrates the power of values in shaping heroes and communities.

Learning goals

Students will explore and embody the school values of respect, kindness, perseverance, collaboration, and integrity through the creation of original plays and movie trailers. They will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving by analyzing and portraying both heroes and villains, considering how choices reflect these values. Through collaborative storytelling and performance, students will develop self-directed learning skills, utilizing feedback and reflection to refine their work. This project will also foster a sense of identity and belonging as students connect their creative expressions to real-world community superheroes and their own personal strengths.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.1.a - Propose potential choices characters could make in a guided drama experience (e.g., process drama, story drama, creative drama).
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.8.a - Imagine and explore multiple perspectives and solutions to staging problems in a drama/ theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout this project, students will collaboratively create five short plays, each highlighting a school value, and design movie trailers that capture the essence of these performances. Kindergarten students will storyboard and film these trailers, utilizing various shot types to convey the narrative. Together, both grade levels will produce Valueverse Comic Books, illustrating the adventures of their Value Victors and Villains. Additionally, students will compose and perform a song that embodies the school values, and craft capes to symbolize their superhero personas.

Launch

Begin the project by inviting students to a "Superhero Day" where they dress up as their favorite superheroes or create their own unique characters. Facilitate a discussion on the qualities that make someone a hero, both in fictional stories and in real life, emphasizing the school values. Introduce Mabelle Reynoso, who will share insights on creating compelling characters and narratives. Engage students in a collaborative activity where they identify and celebrate the superpowers within themselves and their classmates, setting the stage for the creative journey ahead.

Exhibition

The project culminates in a dual exhibition event, featuring the world premiere of Kindergarten movie trailers and a live performance by 4th graders. The Kindergarten students will showcase their trailers, highlighting the storytelling and cinematic techniques they've learned. The 4th graders will perform their short plays, each centered around a school value, bringing to life the characters they've developed. Together, students will present their collaborative Valueverse Comic Books, sing a song that embodies the school values, and display their custom-designed capes, creating an engaging and educational experience for families and community members.