Spooky Spectacle: Haunted House Adventure!

All grades Project 4 weeks

Spooky Spectacle: Haunted House Adventure!

Theresia v

DA:Pr6.1.1.a

DA:Pr6.1.5.a

DA:Pr6.1.2.a

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a creative exploration of cultural narratives through the design and performance of a haunted house. By integrating storytelling, dance, and spatial design, students will develop skills in collaboration, self-directed learning, and critical thinking. This hands-on experience encourages students to reflect on their own identities and cultural heritage while fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Learning goals

Students will explore and integrate cultural stories and myths into the design and theme of a haunted house, enhancing their understanding of diverse narratives. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by adapting their designs to different performance spaces, ensuring the flow and safety of movement. Through peer feedback and self-reflection, students will refine their designs, fostering self-directed learning and building self-knowledge. The project will also support students in establishing a sense of identity and belonging by connecting their work to cultural contexts and community relevance.

Standards

[National Core Arts Standards] DA:Pr6.1.1.a - Dance for others in a space where audience and performers occupy different areas.
[National Core Arts Standards] DA:Pr6.1.5.a - Demonstrate the ability to adapt dance to alternative performance venues by modifying spacing and movements to the performance space.
[National Core Arts Standards] DA:Pr6.1.2.a - Dance for and with others in a space where audience and performers occupy different areas.

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

Students will collaboratively design and construct a haunted house exhibit that incorporates elements of cultural stories and myths, showcased through creative spatial design and movement. Each group will produce a detailed storyboard that outlines the narrative and thematic elements of their section of the haunted house. Additionally, students will choreograph and perform a dance piece within their exhibit, adapting movements to the unique space and theme of their haunted house section. The final presentation will include a guided tour for peers and community members, where students explain the cultural significance behind their design choices.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Haunted House Storytelling Circle' where students gather to share and listen to cultural myths and legends from around the world. Encourage students to explore how these stories evoke emotions and create atmosphere, then brainstorm as a group how these elements can be translated into haunted house designs. This collaborative session sets the stage for creativity and cultural appreciation, laying the groundwork for their project journey.

Exhibition

At the end of the four-week project, students will host a "Cultural Haunted House Showcase" where they present their haunted house designs to peers, teachers, and family members. Each group will guide visitors through their themed space, explaining the cultural stories and myths that inspired their design choices. Students will perform choreographed movements that align with the themes of their haunted house, demonstrating their ability to adapt dance to the unique space. This exhibition will not only display their creative work but also invite meaningful dialogue about the cultural narratives explored throughout the project.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 20

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Cultural Storytelling Circle Activity	Introduction to Haunted House Design Activity Group Formation and Role Assignment Activity	Research and Exploration Activity	Design Workshop Activity Peer Review and Feedback Activity	Dance and Movement Exploration Activity Reflection and Journaling Activity
Preparation

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Design Review and Refinement Activity	Space Planning and Adaptation Activity Movement Feedback Session Activity	Set and Prop Construction Activity	Choreography Workshop Activity Critique and Revision Activity	Performance Practice Activity Reflection and Journaling Activity
Preparation

Week 3	Day 11	Day 12	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Final Choreography Touch-Ups Activity Costume Design and Fitting Activity	Dress Rehearsal Activity Peer Feedback Session Activity	Set and Prop Finalization Activity Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving Activity	Audience Interaction Practice Activity Self-Reflection and Journaling Activity	Final Performance Rehearsal Activity Team Check-In and Reflection Activity
Preparation

Week 4	Day 16	Day 17	Day 18	Day 19	Day 20
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Final Design Adjustments Activity Performance Run-Through Activity	Dress Rehearsal Activity	Feedback and Refinement Activity Finalize and Set Up Activity	Peer Exhibition Activity Reflection Session Activity	Public Exhibition Activity Celebration and Reflection Activity
Preparation