The day started off with nervous trepidation and fervour, as our eager participants in the speech and poetry competition, assembled in the auditorium.
It was wonderful to watch all the children really try very hard to do their best.
We also want to thank our judges, who volunteered their time and expertise to ajudicate the children. Many thanks to Sue, Andrew, and Frank. All are experienced professionals and did a fine job.
JK's
The JK's are still learning circle formation and it is coming along but very slowly. Our game with the hibernating bear does help.
Afterwards we discussed the upcoming season of Easter and the new baby animals that will be born in the spring: chicks, lambs, birds, foals, bunnies, and "camels" apparently.
The children then listened to the poem "We Are Going to See the Rabbit" by Alan Brownsjohn and were all eager to learn new words to understand the meaning of the poem. They did very well and were not at all surprised that the bunny burrowed away from the people coming to see him. They then practise walking quietly like a bunny not wanting to be seen.
SK's
This group is managing to grasp circle formation. It is coming along well. The game is enjoyed by all.
We spent the rest of the class in the auditorium, on stage, as we were still all mesmerized by the speeches and poems. To practise for next year, the children climbed on stage one by one and gave their name, age, grade, and teacher's name. The rest of the class critiqued them positively on the way they stood and spoke (straight or fidgety; loud enough or not; clear enough or not; enthusiasm, smiling, etc.)
The children, because of practise and stage exposure are now able to climb up and down the stairs confidently. They know where the "front and centre" of the stage is. They are no longer afraid, but eager to speak before their peers. We still have a few eager beavers left to speak next week.
Grades 1 & 2
This class listened to and then analyzed the poem "Polite Children" by Alan Ahlberg. They understood it very well the first time around, and were able to see how the words created pictures about the situation. We had an intensive discussion, and are beginning to understand how the words we choose, and voice modulation we use shape the message. This applies not only to acting, but to everyday life as well.
Grades 3 & 4
With this group we discussed the events of the morning. We analyzed the speeches and poetry competition from the perspective of the audience and the competitors. We did not pass any judgement as to who or what should have or could have happened, but discussed how we felt (eg: nervous) on stage, and how we felt (eg: interested and excited) off stage in our chairs.
The class made some valid observations that the audience is able to impact the delivery of the presenter/performer by its behaviour. The class will therefore, write a paragraph about how they believe an "audience" should behave in the theatre, auditorium, viewing area, etc.
HOMEWORK: Paragraphs about audience behaviour are due next week.
The class also listened to the poem "Polite Children" by Alan Ahlberg, and although they did understand the essence of the poem, they were surprisingly not as quick to pick up the descriptions in the stanzas as the younger grades. Phrases were re-read with more voice modulation and intonation and they all did realize the funny question posed by "polite children" under the circumstances.
Grades 5, 6, & 7
With this group we also had an intensive discussion about the events of the morning. Again, without passing judgment on any decisions or results, the children responded to how they felt on stage and in their seats. Many claimed to have learned interesting facts, and all realized how difficult and nerve-wracking it is to go before an audience of you peers, younger grades, parents, teachers, and judges and present from memory.
Although everyone did find the morning long, then did realize the need for the wait as judges deliberated. It put more perspective on the competitive reality shows of the day.
The group then listened to the poem "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" by Robert Browning . Some were fascinated and couldn't wait to hear the ending which will be heard next week, while others found the poem too long.
This poem will be the subject of discussion and theatrical review for the next two weeks.
HOMEWORK: For next week, the children are to define the word ELOCUTION. It may be done in any form they wish - point form, paragraph form, poetry, etc.
It is due next week - NO EXCUSES! (Hint - there is a link in the blog below.)
Best Regards,
Mrs. Deras
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Poetry and public speaking contest on Wednesday, February 23rd, at 9:00 am in the St. Jude's Academy Auditorium - all parents and friends are welcome.
Public speaking, reciting, giving a monologue, or acting with a group - all require some form of stage presence and eye-contact, albeit with different people or things, depending on your selected form of delivery.
Children need to understand that as they enter the stage, they assume a certain role, posture, or presence in order to deliver some type of material to their audience.
Eye-contact is critical based on your positioning. For instance, with speeches, the students are front and centre requiring direct eye-contact with the audience. Several tricks can be used to maitain this, but also to allow for relaxation and to maintain focus.
For younger children, they need to be made aware of what their stage purpose requires. They also need to learn the difference between interacting with their fellow cast members versus the audience.
As most do not yet differentiate that stage is a different medium from the classroom, the car, the livingroom, the restaurant, they feel "their whole world is a stage". It's just that sometimes they are seen and heard, while other times they are not. To have them distinguish this, is what we hope to accomplish.
JK's
The JK's are practising circle formation, and maintaining this by respecting the actor in the centre. See SK below.
SK's
Due to the enormous difficulty this group has in forming a circle, we are playing games teaching formation. The chlidren are then taking turns showing the group something from withing the circle.
The children are first starting off with a traditional European circle game which they seem to really enjoy. This allows our circle to form. We respect the hibernating bear in the centre, thereby having the circle maintain its shape, and learning to later respect the performing actor in the centre.
The children then present something in the centre as a group of 3 or 4, again respecting the boundaries of the human formation. They learn to express themselves to everyone by moving about and maintaining eye-contact with the entire group.
Grade 1's & 2's
This group is practising for its poetry recitation.
We listened to everyone's poems and focused on maitaining eye-contact as well as giving meaning to the poem by the way we modulate our voices, through use of slight hand gestures, tone, etc. The children were very good in maintaining proper posture, and there was hardly any fidgeting.
They are taking their work seriously and trying very hard to work on their delivery. My recommendation to this group is that they focus on increasing their volume. I would also recommend they blow their noses prior to speaking.
Grade 3's & 4's
This group has the grade 3's preparing for poetry recitations and the grade 4's for speeches.
The boys and girls in this group do know their material well. It would be better if they took the time to really understand it. Most have a good idea as to the subject about which they are speaking, but an indepth analysis would help them place the correct emphasis where needed.
Diction, volume, and elocution are areas in need of work. This would be possible if they were to slow down their speaking.
With this age group the posture and stance are starting to show signs of disintergration as more nerves are present than among the younger grades.
Grade 5's, 6's, & 7's
These grades are preparing for speeches.
The main problem with this group is the age - they are the most nervous of all the grades and are fidgeting nervously in ways that are nearly beyond their control.
Certain gestures and tics are beginning to merge with their characters, making these habits difficult to break when delivering a speech.
Slowing down, thinking and understanding their selected subjects, will help them present better. Once the aspect of memorization has been achieved they will only then be able to use voice modulation more naturally.
Elocution is key http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-elocution.htm
Good luck to everyone!
Stand up straight!
Hold your hands in front, at your sides, or behind your back!
Maintain eye-contact!
NO GUM!
Know your subject!
Tell your story!
Use clarity of speech by talking slowly, loudly (not shouting) and distinctly!
Best Regards,
Mrs. Deras
Monday, February 7, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is imperative that you advise your child's teacher if he or she will be away for the fundraising gala dinner: Valentines in Venice.
The children are all preparing a production and roles have been assigned. I am also working on a program and including some names.
If you know you will be away, this must be conveyed ASAP! It is very late in the game to expect other children to pick up your child's parts.
Many thanks for your understanding that we are working hard to create an entertaining theatrical production for parents, families, and friends.
Mrs. Deras
JK's - costumes are to be cute and ready for Valentine's Day
SK's - costumes are to be cute and ready for Valentine's Day
The following children will need something slightly different: Alejandra, Shane, Noah, Rayn, and Sofia.
Grade 1's and 2's - the costumes are of the Roman era 269 A.D.
Girls are to wear white togas and ornamental head dresses
Boys are to be dressed as ROMAN soldiers; have them dress all in black with black hats
- does anyone have shields, capes, etc. something for soldiers?
Temi is a Roman Emperor
Victoria is St. Valentine
Shannon requires something light and white for a veil on her head
Grade 3's and 4's - something dressy and evening appropriate; if the entire class could coordinate something with folk or country flare, that would be great!
Grade 5's, 6's, and 7's - something long and flowing; think Victorian, Grecian, Mermaidian, ball gowns, this applies to the guys as well.
Guys - poofy shirts - like pirates please! You could wear a suit, but the poofy shirts will look better. You won't look wierd; it will enhance the play.
Many thanks! I am now assuming that everyone has learned his or her parts and we will have fluid rehearsals all week! Correct?
Regards,
Mrs. Deras
It is imperative that you advise your child's teacher if he or she will be away for the fundraising gala dinner: Valentines in Venice.
The children are all preparing a production and roles have been assigned. I am also working on a program and including some names.
If you know you will be away, this must be conveyed ASAP! It is very late in the game to expect other children to pick up your child's parts.
Many thanks for your understanding that we are working hard to create an entertaining theatrical production for parents, families, and friends.
Mrs. Deras
JK's - costumes are to be cute and ready for Valentine's Day
SK's - costumes are to be cute and ready for Valentine's Day
The following children will need something slightly different: Alejandra, Shane, Noah, Rayn, and Sofia.
Grade 1's and 2's - the costumes are of the Roman era 269 A.D.
Girls are to wear white togas and ornamental head dresses
Boys are to be dressed as ROMAN soldiers; have them dress all in black with black hats
- does anyone have shields, capes, etc. something for soldiers?
Temi is a Roman Emperor
Victoria is St. Valentine
Shannon requires something light and white for a veil on her head
Grade 3's and 4's - something dressy and evening appropriate; if the entire class could coordinate something with folk or country flare, that would be great!
Grade 5's, 6's, and 7's - something long and flowing; think Victorian, Grecian, Mermaidian, ball gowns, this applies to the guys as well.
Guys - poofy shirts - like pirates please! You could wear a suit, but the poofy shirts will look better. You won't look wierd; it will enhance the play.
Many thanks! I am now assuming that everyone has learned his or her parts and we will have fluid rehearsals all week! Correct?
Regards,
Mrs. Deras
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Dear Parents and Students,
We are all practising and rehearsing..........for Valentines in Venice
JK's - must rehearse their song
SK's - must learn to form a circle, i.e. stand in a circle
Gr. 1's and 2's - memorize your lines
Gr. 3's and 4's - learn your arias and song
Gr. 5's, 6's, and 7's - poems MUST be memorized!!!
We are all practising and rehearsing..........for Valentines in Venice
JK's - must rehearse their song
SK's - must learn to form a circle, i.e. stand in a circle
Gr. 1's and 2's - memorize your lines
Gr. 3's and 4's - learn your arias and song
Gr. 5's, 6's, and 7's - poems MUST be memorized!!!
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