Drama: Week 2 - Compare/Contrast

Thomas, Walker, Issac S., Issac L., Lulu, Camille, Niko, Burke

We started off the week by using the story dice to create a character and story on paper. I allowed the children to roll the dice and choose which image they would use.

Here are a couple of characters they came up with:
Burke traced his own hand to create a character known as "fire hand". It was a destructive hand that started fires just by touching things!
Lulu illustrated a scene of zombie pirates; including a mom, dad, and baby zombie!

Later on in the week I allowed the children to pick a partner to reenact a story with. They chose the characters they would be playing and I gave them a situation. Most of them preferred to be superheros and villains, but I would put them in out of the ordinary situations e.g., grocery shopping, going to school, etc. 

The last day of atelier I gave the children the opportunity to build a set and act out scenes from their drawings. We built a pirate ship, put silks down for the ocean, and pretended to be zombie pirates!

Drama: Week 1 - Compare/Contrast

With Carson, Cora, Dylan, Jude, Max, Peter and Zara

Our theme for this term is Compare/Contrast. We started off our atelier with the question, "What is drama?" I asked the kids what they knew about drama and acting; they gave me plenty of information from their experiences with superhero/villain movies. I allowed them to illustrate their own good/bad characters, and bring them to life by reenacting the scenes in their drawings. This was the first few days of our atelier, the kids really enjoyed becoming these made by them characters and explaining who they were.

Cora created "Dot Girl" who was a good girl superhero with dots all over her body
Dylan created "Bobafet" a bad guy who was from Star Wars
Peter drew a man and a dreidel and called them "The Man and Dreidel", a tag team of good guys
Max made a character called "The Hand", it was a giant villain hand
Jude drew a masked superhero called "mask man"
Zara drew a girl with magical powers, she was called "girl"
 
Later on in the week I introduced story cubes; dice with different images on them to help encourage creativity and dialogue. I rolled the nine dice and chose one child to start the story by saying "Once upon a time..." then letting each one by one add to the story. Their ideas were incredibly adventurous and exciting. They chose a genre to carry the story before beginning the game. "Funny" and "Scary" were the two most popular!

Drama: Spring Week 2

Imagining a World through the eyes of Dr. Seuss

With Alex, Isaac L, Henry D, Zion, Koda, and Maki


This session our big idea is Imagination. What better inspiration then the whimsical words of Dr. Seuss.

On Monday we perused the various works of Dr. Seuss and your children choose McElligots Pool to explore. A classic, written before Cat in the Hat.

We discussed real verses pretend. Does a catfish really look like a cat? Can an eel have two heads? We played around with our imaginations coming up with other imaginary animal combinations.

The students were introduced to this week's goal. To create an imaginary world and create it.


Place: The Artic. It is very cold in the Artic filled with mountains and ice. Snowmobiles are used to get around.

Characters: The snow people/The ski people/Ice people. (our characters name kept changing). Our characters wear full body snow suits to keep them warm. They have skis attached to their feet, and snow poles to their hands.

Story: The snow people are on a search to find diamonds. These diamonds served two purposes. First, they act as a compass to find their way to the ice castle. Second, the diamonds are shape shifters.

Through out the week we have been building our castle, creating costumes, riding in snow mobiles, finding diamonds and painting our protective snow goggles on our faces.

Let's see where our imaginations take us next week!

Drama: Spring Week 1

Imagining a World through the eyes of Dr. Seuss
With Sabine, Colton, Rya, Elly, Rowan, and Camille

Monday: Today began our exploration of this sessions big idea: Imagination. Using the whimsical worlds created by Dr. Seuss.

We chose The Sneetches, a story of yellow creatures who discriminate against each other until Sylvester McMonkey McBean changes all that with a magical machine. We identified how Dr. Seuss created an imaginary world through place, character and story elements.

The star machine captured our imaginations so we created our own! Elly's machine changed her into Ramona, Sabine came out of her machine singing and Colton's turned him into a cat. Luckily we went  back in to change back into ourselves.


Tuesday:

After some warm up imagination activities, we reviewed our work from yesterday and started to come up with our own ideas for creating an imaginary world.

Place: Iceland
Characters: Coochies. Ice cream shaped characters.
Story: Iceland was getting warm and the Choochie's started to melt. They build a cool machine to freeze them again.

We built our 'cool' machine, created costumes with tulle and began to act.

Wednesday:

Today's class focused on place. Looking through The Sneetches, we examined how Dr. Seuss illustrated his imaginary world.

We brainstormed what Iceland would look like.
"Ice mountains" - Elly
"Ice Houses. Igloos" Sabine
"Ice" Colton
"More mountains" Rya

With a sheet of butcher paper, we created our imaginary world.

Then is was time to create our 'cool' machine and put on our choocie costumes.

Thursday:

Today Elly came to ateliers with an imagination inspired story to share.

Her story revolved around the Koozies, who lived in the land of Worldy. There were two groups of the Koozies; Mean and Kind. The two groups were not getting along and things became so bad, the president had to step in.

The group was really excited about her story, they decided to act it out. In the end the 'kind' Koozies showered the 'mean' Koozies with kindness and they joined together. 

Friday:

Friday Sabine was the only student so we joined Teacher Shawn in music.

                                             

                                                                                                                               

Drama: Winter II, Week 7

Drama: Winter II Week 7

Creating Character

With Alex, Jacob, Thomas, Rowan and Avaline

To discover and learn more about change the drama atelier will be exploring the world of characters. We will be utilizing props, miming, as well costuming and other theater materials to change into a brand new character. Through exploring the world of drama we can learn more about how characters are created, as well as how we can change ourselves to become someone/something different.

Through out the week, your children have been honing in on their dramatic play skills and developing new tools to create self-awareness. 

Our first exercise focused on vocalizations. Working off a simple "hello" we practiced conveying emotion (happy, sad, sleepy) and character (animals, monsters, a door) through voice. We played the game Who Am I? This games focuses in on using voice to disguise themselves.

 On Tuesday, we focused primarily on using our bodies to become a character. Using the art of miming as a jump off, we mimed painting a box, stubbing our toes and waking up. We looked at pictures of mimes and saw how we could gather a lot of information about the mimes actions and feelings. To gain insight on how our facial expressions are expressive we used a mirror. We played the traditional game of Charades. 

On Wednesday, your children used face paint to create new characters. We looked at a couple of examples. This group explored color mixing, Jacob wanted to create dots, Alex wanted to be a red and blue super hero and Avaline focused on her mouth.

Thursday, we were introduced to incorporating props to our characters. We play a game called What's that Pillow. Your children think fast and come up with a variety of things the it could be. A cat, a heavy rock, a pie!

Friday was the culmination of the weeks work. We practiced our vocalizations, expressive body movements, changed our faces and gathered our props. With the sound of "Action" we were no longer girls or boys but our characters. 

How can you help develop your child's dramatic play?


Ask questions! They might be pretending to be a cat, but what can you tell me about that cat? Does that cat have a family? A favorite color? Where is that cat going?

Be Observant! "I've noticed your using your voice to make your X sound sad. I wonder what made them sad "I see that you're using big arm movements and running around the room. I wonder if you're flying or sailing?"

Magic Hat.  Through out the week your children have donned a 'magic hat' (we used an extra fabric mesh bag). When they are wearing it, they are no longer themselves but any character they wish. This small transformation is pretty much a key to be something else.

Drama: Winter II week 6

Drama: Winter II Week 6

Creating Character

With Isaac L, Malvina, Zooey, Jesse, Elijah, Rya, and Elly

To discover and learn more about change the drama atelier will be exploring the world of characters. We will be utilizing props, miming, as well costuming and other theater materials to change into a brand new character. Through exploring the world of drama we can learn more about how characters are created, as well as how we can change ourselves to become someone/something different.

Through out the week, your children have been honing in on their dramatic play skills and developing new tools to create self-awareness. 

Our first exercise focused on vocalizations. Working off a simple "hello" we practiced conveying emotion (happy, sad, sleepy) and character (animals, monsters, a door) through voice. We played the game Who Am I? This games focuses in on using voice to disguise themselves.

 On Tuesday, we focused primarily on using our bodies to become a character. Using the art of miming as a jump off, we mimed painting a box, stubbing our toes and waking up. We looked at pictures of mimes and saw how we could gather a lot of information about the mimes actions and feelings. To gain insight on how our facial expressions are expressive we used a mirror. We played the traditional game of Charades. Here Zooey is a ballerina.

On Wednesday, your children used face paint to create new characters. We looked at a couple of examples. Elly's buttfly morphed into a cat when whiskers were added. Malvina and Rya also became cats. Elijah and Jesse chose to done costumes instead. 

Thursday, we were introduced to incorporating props to our characters. A cape for Thunder guy, a tail for kitty... We play a game called What's that Box. Your children think fast and come up with a variety of things the box could be. 

Friday was the culmination of the weeks work. We practiced our vocalizations, expressive body movements, changed our faces and gathered our props. With the sound of "Action" we were no longer girls or boys but our characters. 

How can you help develop your child's dramatic play?



Ask questions! They might be pretending to be a cat, but what can you tell me about that cat? Does that cat have a family? A favorite color? Where is that cat going?

Be Observant! "I've noticed your using your voice to make your X sound sad." "I see that you're using big arm movements and running around the room. I wonder if you're flying or sailing?"

Magic Hat.  Through out the week your children have donned a 'magic hat' (we used an extra fabric mesh bag). When they are wearing it, they are no longer themselves but any character they wish. This small transformation is pretty much a key to be something else. 

Drama: Winter II Week 5

Creating Character

    With Zane, Cora, Sam, Anya and Camille 

To discover and learn more about change the drama atelier will be exploring the world of characters. We will be utilizing props, miming, as well costuming and other theater materials to change into a brand new character. Through exploring the world of drama we can learn more about how characters are created, as well as how we can change ourselves to become someone/something different.

Through out the week, your children have been honing in on their dramatic play skills and developing new tools to create self-awareness. 

Monday: 

Our first exercise focused on vocalizations. Working off a simple "hello" we practiced conveying emotion (happy, sad, sleepy) and character (animals, monsters, a door) through voice.

Look in the Book. Each page ignites a different emotion.

Whats that silk!  Your children think fast and come up with a variety of things the box could be. 

Guess Who? Through mime, we have to guess who you are. 

We discussed the meaning of character, and identified some we know from stories and film. We settled on 'changing into something different".

                                                   

Tuesday:  we focused primarily on using our bodies to become a character. Using the art of miming as a jump off, we mimed painting a box, stubbing our toes and waking up. We looked at pictures of mimes and saw how we could gather a lot of information about the mimes actions and feelings. To gain insight on how our facial expressions are expressive we used a mirror. Here we are painting our faces to become a different character. 














Wednesday: Today we took our dramatic play outside. Before heading out, we made a plan for our characters. Cora- A princess Jude- Some one who is a little bit taller Sam- A monster and Zane - A giant. We decided when the outside door opens we would be in the ocean. We found a boat and noticed sharks swimming around. Zane used his giant magic and changed the sharks into giants. We then searched for treasure and buried them in the ground to turn into diamonds. 




Thursday: Today we played our drama games and began developing our characters deeper. Where does your monster like to sleep? What does your princess like to eat? We decided to turn our space into a castle using props. 

Friday: Friday was the culmination of the weeks work. We practiced our vocalizations, expressive body movements, changed our faces and gathered our props. With the sound of "Action" we were no longer girls or boys but our characters. 

How can you help develop your child's dramatic play?

Ask questions! They might be pretending to be a cat, but what can you tell me about that cat? Does that cat have a family? A favorite color? Where is that cat going?

Be Observant! "I've noticed your using your voice to make your X sound sad." "I see that you're using big arm movements and running around the room. I wonder if you're flying or sailing?"

Magic Hat.  Through out the week your children have donned a 'magic hat' (we used an extra fabric mesh bag). When they are wearing it, they are no longer themselves but any character they wish. This small transformation is pretty much a key to be something else. 

Drama: Winter II week 4

Creating Character

With Matea, Sabine, Lucy, Lucas, Henry and Max


To discover and learn more about change the drama atelier will be exploring the world of characters. We will be utilizing props, miming, as well costuming and other theater materials to change into a brand new character. Through exploring the world of drama we can learn more about how characters are created, as well as how we can change ourselves to become someone/something different.

Through out the week, your children have been honing in on their dramatic play skills and developing new tools to create self-awareness. 

 On Tuesday, we began to open up our dramatic chops through a series of games.  These activities continued through the week.


Our first exercise each day focuses on vocalizations. Working off a simple "hello" we practiced conveying emotion (happy, sad, sleepy) and character (animals, monsters, a door) through voice.

Look in the Book. Each page ignites a different emotion.

Whats that silk!  Your children think fast and come up with a variety of things the box could be.

Guess Who? Through mime, we have to guess who you are.

We discussed the meaning of character, and identified some we know from stories and film. "The big bad wolf!" "Toto" Your children were invited to create their own character. 
 
Wednesday, Teacher Adrianne was away and we got to spend the day with Teacher Jessie Anne. Jessie Anne read us Pretend by Jennifer Plecas. Instead of a 'read to', the story was a great catalyst to inspire pretend. Each page offered your children a chance to pretend.
 

On Thursday, we focused primarily on using our bodies to become a character. Using the art of miming as a jump off, we mimed painting a box, stubbing our toes and waking up. We looked at pictures of mimes and saw how we could gather a lot of information about the mimes actions and feelings. 

It was time to get into character. Matea: A red crab. Sabine, Lucas, Henry, Lucy and Max all wanted to be cats. We painted our faces and chose costumes. 

Friday was the culmination of the weeks work. We practiced our vocalizations, expressive body movements, changed our faces and gathered our props. With the sound of "Action" we were no longer girls or boys but cats lost at sea.

 

How can you help develop your child's dramatic play?

Ask questions! They might be pretending to be a cat, but what can you tell me about that cat? Does that cat have a family? A favorite color? Where is that cat going?

Be Observant! "I've noticed your using your voice to make your X sound sad." "I see that you're using big arm movements and running around the room. I wonder if you're flying or sailing?"

Magic Hat.  Through out the week your children have donned a 'magic hat' (we used an extra fabric mesh bag). When they are wearing it, they are no longer themselves but any character they wish. This small transformation is pretty much a key to be something else.

Drama: Winter II Week 3

Creating Character

With Dylan, Sofia, Carson, Peter and Jackson

To discover and learn more about change the drama atelier will be exploring the world of characters. We will be utilizing props, miming, as well costuming and other theater materials to change into a brand new character. Through exploring the world of drama we can learn more about how characters are created, as well as how we can change ourselves to become someone/something different.

Through out the week, your children have been honing in on their dramatic play skills and developing new tools to create self-awareness. 




We began the week by reading Pretend by Jennifer Plecas. Instead of a 'read to', the story was a great catalyst to inspire pretend. Each page offered your children a chance to pretend.

Our first exercise focused on vocalizations. Working off a simple "hello" we practiced conveying emotion (happy, sad, sleepy) and character (animals, monsters, a door) through voice.

On Tuesday, we focused primarily on using our bodies to become a character. Using the art of miming as a jump off, we mimed painting a box, stubbing our toes and waking up. We looked at pictures of mimes and saw how we could gather a lot of information about the mimes actions and feelings. To gain insight on how our facial expressions are expressive we used a mirror. Here we are turning into rocks.

On Wednesday, Carson, Dylan and Sofia used face paint to create new characters. We looked at a couple  Sofia was a kitty cat, Dylan a thunder guy and Carson went free style by covering his whole face in black and white.  Then our imaginations ran wild. Kitty Cat and Thunder guy were stuck in the desert. Thunder guy helped kitty kat find her mom and dad in their cave. When they got there, there was a monster. (the birds) The only was to defeat the monster was with water. 

Thursday, we were introduced to incorporating props to our characters. A cape for Thunder guy, a tail for kitty... We play a game called What's that Box. Your children think fast and come up with a variety of things the box could be. 

A sticker!

A house!

A car!

Friday was the culmination of the weeks work. We practiced our vocalizations, expressive body movements, changed our faces and gathered our props. With the sound of "Action" we were no longer girls or boys but our characters. 

How can you help develop your child's dramatic play?



Ask questions! They might be pretending to be a cat, but what can you tell me about that cat? Does that cat have a family? A favorite color? Where is that cat going?

Be Observant! "I've noticed your using your voice to make your X sound sad." "I see that you're using big arm movements and running around the room. I wonder if you're flying or sailing?"

Magic Hat.  Through out the week your children have donned a 'magic hat' (we used an extra fabric mesh bag). When they are wearing it, they are no longer themselves but any character they wish. This small transformation is pretty much a key to be something else.