9th Grade  Project 5 weeks

Love Takes Center Stage at Winterfest

Virginia S
TH:Pr6.HS1.a
TH:Pr4.HS1.b
TH:Pr4.HS2.a
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 9th-grade students in a creative exploration of the theme 'Rooted in Love' through the development and performance of holiday skits. By collaborating with local theater professionals, students will gain hands-on experience in scriptwriting and stage direction, enhancing their drama skills while fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking. The project aims to cultivate a sense of identity and belonging, allowing students to express personal narratives and connect with diverse audiences during the Winterfest Holiday Celebration.

Learning goals

Students will develop their ability to perform scripted drama/theatre works by making informed character choices and understanding how these choices shape the narrative. They will enhance their self-directed learning through feedback and reflection, building self-knowledge and academic mindset. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be cultivated as students explore innovative approaches to express the theme 'Rooted in Love' in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. Through collaboration with community partners, students will gain real-world insights into scriptwriting and stage direction, enriching their overall performance skills.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Pr6.HS1.a - Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Pr4.HS1.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Pr4.HS2.a - Discover how unique choices shape believable and sustainable 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

Students will create and perform holiday skits that creatively express the theme 'Rooted in Love' through engaging narratives and dynamic character portrayals. These skits will be showcased at the Winterfest Holiday Celebration, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of drama and theatre standards. Additionally, students will contribute to a 'Love Letters' wall, inviting audience members to share their reflections and creating a tangible dialogue between performers and viewers.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Love in Action' workshop, where students gather to share personal stories of love and brainstorm ideas for their holiday skits. Facilitate the creation of a collaborative visual mind map that connects these stories to the theme 'Rooted in Love'. This activity will set the stage for deeper exploration and creative expression throughout the project, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among participants.

Exhibition

At the Winterfest Holiday Celebration, students will perform their holiday skits, emphasizing the theme 'Rooted in Love' through engaging storytelling and dynamic character portrayals. The performances will be complemented by a 'Love Letters' wall, where audience members can express how the skits impacted them, creating a dialogue between performers and viewers. This exhibition will not only showcase students' dramatic skills but also foster a sense of community and shared emotional experience.