PROJECT DESCRIPTION
INSTRUCTORS
SCHOOL SITE
LEVEL
SUBJECTS
Students will study the process of developing plot and enhance their understanding of story structure and elements by writing plays in cooperative groups. Each group will be given a paper bag filled with four unique props, which will provide the impetus for the development of the group’s play. Students will then perform the plays for their peers, parents, and community members.
The most exciting part of this project is watching a group of four or five kids go from opening a paper bag full of random props to staging a full production! It starts out with total chaos and becomes an awesome play, with all aspects controlled by the students. I was struck by the way kids really came together to make the plays work. I especially love seeing that pride in their faces when they perform something all original—written, directed, and acted all on their own. The only challenging part of the project comes from balancing group dynamics, like finding ways to keep everyone on task and settling arguments about script writing. But even that part becomes a learning experience as most groups rise to the occasion, learn to cooperate and compromise, and challenge each other to put on the best performance possible. The best part for me is the sense of pride and accomplishment I share with my students as I watch the performances and see how far they have come as actors by the end of the project.
Final Script of one-act play
The performance!
Learning Goals
Students will know:
Students will understand:
Students will be able to:
Timeline
Week #
|
Project Tasks
|
1
|
· Introduce project objectives
· Review story elements
|
2
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· Form groups and determine group roles
· Pass out Paper Bags with props
· Begin brainstorming ideas for plays
|
3
|
· Work on plot diagrams
· Work on character, setting, conflict, resolution mapping
|
4
|
· Writing Plays
|
5
|
· Writing and Revising plays
· Finish final scripts
|
6
|
· Rehearsal of plays
|
7
|
· Rehearsal continues
· Critique of performances
|
8
|
· Performances
· Complete Audience Guide
· Project Reflection
|
Examples of Student Work
Resources
Handouts
Cooperative Group Roles
Description of each role and its responsibilities.
Final Draft Requirements
Student handout detailing requirements for final scripts and performances
Student Project Guidelines
Guidelines to help students understand how to create and perform plays
In-Depth Teacher Reflections
An in-depth teacher reflection, excerpted from the book “Learning by Design: Projects and Practices at High Tech Middle.”
Lesson Plans
Lesson Plans
A sequence of lessons to help teachers plan for the Paper Bag Plays Project.
Rubrics
Rubric
Rubric for scoring final performances and scripts