Drama 9/30/2014, Pathfinders & Navigators

Warm up activities began our classes once again.  The students are practicing presentation and strong vocal techniques (e.g. projection and articulation).  The main lesson for the Pathfinders was rehearsing the dramatic interpretation of a poem on the Erie Canal. The Navigators worked on creative thinking and improvisation.  They were given props that were to be used in any way but the way they were meant to be used.  Then the students were given parameters for scenes in which they had to come up with content and dialogue.  The activities are preparing the students to think outside the box for future assignments.  In the weeks to come, the students will be creating scenes of specific historic events to bring those time periods to life.

Drama 9/30/2014, Explorers & Trailblazers

We started with warm up activities for creativity and voice.  The students seemed to thoroughly enjoy dramatically dying.  In both classes we are working on a dramatic piece of specific historic events.  The Explorers are practicing a dramatic interpretation of the Negro Spiritual "All God's Chillun's Got Wings".  The Trailblazers have each been assigned an inventor to portray in a "Silent Scene" which is taking a lot of (fun) work to put together.  Both classes have enthusiastic, eager participation!

Drama 9/23/2014, Pathfinders & Navigators

Good Communication Skills Help You In Life

Once again the students discussed how dramatic skills could be advantageous to them in every area of life.  We talked about how having the ability to speak loudly and clearly, with poise and confidence will help anyone be successful no matter what they do in life.  

Both classes worked on learning the names of the areas of the stage.  Then the Pathfinders rehearsed a dramatic interpretation of the song "The Erie Canal".  The Navigators did an activity that worked on focus and thinking on their feet, skills that are vital for any good performance.

Drama 9/23/2014, Trailblazers & Explorers

The Purpose of Learning Drama

There were several segments to class, this week.  We began discussing why we learn and practice drama skills and what value performances could have.  The students seemed to have a good understanding, after the discussion, of how dramatic performance is a form of communication.  When it is done well, it is an effective venue for communicating anything you want.  We practice so we can do it well!

After working on skills, we practiced the first performance pieces they will be working on.  The Explorers will be rehearsing a dramatic interpretation of the Negro Spiritual "All God's Chillun's Got Wings".  The Trailblazers began working on a Silent Scene (pantomime) of The Wright Brothers and other Inventors.  It will be performed to music.

Art 9/30/2014, Pathfinders & Navigators

The Post-Impression Period: 1880 – early 1900

Class discussion included and overview of how artists took the painting freedoms started in the Impressionism Period, and began to go in many different directions as far as styles and themes.

We completed Part 2 of the Acrylic Skins Project which included crafting the skins into hanging mobile designs.

Art 9/23/2014, Navigators and Pathfinders

Discussion of the Impressionist Art Period: 1860-1880 included the style of painting, the artists of that time period as well as their paintings.

Students began Part One of the Acrylic Skins Project

Art 9/23/2014, Explorers & Trailblazers

We read a story that introduced Mary Cassatt and her famous painting "Girl in a Blue Chair". We learned about her as she was an American artist that lived during the 1800's. She studied Impressionism and became an artist during a time when it was unusual for a woman to do such things. We looked at some of her paintings and talked a little about Impressionism and the color that she used. We also learned that she made Monoprints. We made a monoprint of the "Girl in the Blue Chair". Some of them were successful. Some were not. Then we used colored pencils to color some pictures of some of her artwork.