Queen Esther Saves the Day
Purpose:
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To write a play using the information from the written material and tape
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To edit the written material
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To read and act with expression
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To write in logical sequence
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To create the settings
Materials: paper, pencil, costumes, copies of the account written on, the previous page, a chart of the editing symbol, crayons, scissors, glue, markers
Procedure:
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1. The story will be replayed for the students to listen to or they can read account on the previous page.
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2. Characters must be developed. Some of them are obvious while others will have to be imagined and developed. Divide the class into five groups.
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3. Group 1 will write the script.
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4. Group 2 will make the settings/stage.
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5. Group 3 will edit the scripts.
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6. Group 4 will develop costumes.
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7. Group 5 will monitor each of the other groups to make sure things are progressing in a timely and orderly fashion.
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8. After all is completed, parts must be given to students
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9. After a few weeks of rehearsing, a small production can be put on in class. (dry run)
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10. With a bit more practice, polishing up, the rough edges, there should be a dress rehearsal finally a large school production.
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11. Follow up this lesson with some Poppy Seed Cookies.
The children should be proud of their work. Each job should be made to all important so that no one feels superior or inferior to another because of their role in this production. Reward everyone the same.
Conclusion:
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1. Were the scripts written for your grade level?
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2. Was the editing of good quality?
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3. Was the setting and scenery appropriate for the subject?
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4. Were the speakers convincing in their roles?
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5. Did the events happen in a logical sequence?
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6. What would you change or do differently?
Lesson Extensions
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What If?
What if one year, during the yearly Yam Festival, the Yams all went bad? .
What if another decree is made to destroy a nation of people?
What if torrent weather like El Nino hits Mexico the day before a fiesta?
What if locusts destroy the crops just before any ingathering or harvesting could be done?
What if you discovered the cure for cancer or even Aids? How would you want to celebrate?
What if your parents win the largest lotto jackpot in history? How would you celebrate?
What if you created the mechanism that made all people be colorblind as far as race and nationality goes? How would you commemorate this event ?
It would be important to include children in the information as well as the celebration side of these note worthy events. In other countries is seems they play an important role in all the major events. Many children in our country are poorly informed about noteworthy national, scientific, political, environmental , financial, and social issues and events in our society. Who is responsible to get this information to them? The teachers? The parents? The media? Their friends and associates? The government? I believe some combination of all.
If the children are shown how to appropriately stand for a cause, and to take pride in their accomplishments they may be better able to appreciate and respect the stand and involvement of children of other cultures.