|
 Printable Version
for your convenience!
Matt Sparks
Title: Acting Out Historical Events
Introduction: It is somewhat difficult to remember all
the happenings of certain events from throughout history, but
it can be made much easier if you act out what you have learned
about some of them.
Grade Level(s):
4th and 5th
Length:
1 ½ hrs.- more if possible
Performance Expectations:
The student will take part in research, with three to four other
students, on a given historical event including the people, places,
and cultures that were involved in it, and prepare a short skit
to perform in front of the rest of the class.
Materials:
Library access for research, script writing materials, any costumes
and props that the students chose to use
Procedures:
Introduction:
Group students randomly in groups of four or five and give each
one a historical event to research. "Today you will find
information on the topic that I gave your group. By Friday you
will have written a script for a short skit and performed it for
us.
Development:
Allow students 30 to 40 minutes of library time to get enough
material on their topics to write a 3 to 5 minute skit. Give them
time during class to get together in their groups and work on
writing their scripts. It may also be beneficial to give each
group an example of a script for them to follow. Help the students
with ideas to use for costumes and props if they want to use them.
When they are finished writing their scripts, have each group
make a final copy of it to turn in when they perform their skit.
On the last day or two days of the week, allow each group 3 to
5 minutes to perform their skit in front of the rest of the class.
It is not necessary to grade them on their ability to portray
certain characters from history, instead look to see if they portray
the event correctly according to histories standards.
Closure:
Record each group's skit on video tape, if possible, and show
them back to the class to allow them to see their own performances.
Have each group critique the others on an evaluation sheet that
you use yourself to grade them with.
Assessment:
After all the skits have been performed, create a question sheet
based on the material that all the groups covered and see how
well the class as a whole performs on it. The teacher should
also be sure to develop a checklist of criteria to look for in
each skit, and make it a point to let the groups know that they
will have to include certain information.
Adaptations/Extensions:
Allow extra help or time for any group that has difficulty due
to having an event that may be difficult to portray in such a
short skit. Make sure you have all coed groups and that each
group involves women characters in their skit.
References:
3rd grade teacher Mrs. Parker, Ridgeview Elementary,
Warrensburg, MO
High School German teacher Frau Hyde, Kamiakin High School, Kennewick,
WA
|
Math
Language Arts
Science
Social Studies
Art
Computers & Internet
Music
P.E. & Health
Other
Multi-Disciplinary
