ALL GRADES: JK A - GR. 8
YOUR CHILD IS NOT GOING TO BE ON STAGE FOR THE UPCOMING PRODUCTION - Do You Know Why?
Please read the previous blog!
GRADES 4,5,6,7, AND 8
AUDITIONS FOR TWELFTH NIGHT: Audition notices were posted on the bulletin board at school two weeks ago. The necessary information is also on this blog. Today's date for the auditions was written clearly, as were the instructions. The auditions were discussed for two and a half classes at school. Anyone who has missed them, or has not prepared for them, only has him or herself to blame.
* Remember, the audition will affect your role; you must have a role; and your drama mark depends on how well you fulfill your role - NOT on what type of role you have.
GRADES 4,5,6,7, AND 8
FIELD TRIP TO STRATFORD: This trip is an obligatory part of the school curriculum. Students expected to attend the field trip are doing so in order to -
A) better understand Shakespeare and his works
B) see and hear one of Shakespeare's works performed (it's better for you to see the same work which we will be performing as this will heighten your awareness about it)
C) experience a theatre environment; be able to sit there for 2 hours quietly and focus on what is happening in front of them; to develop an appreciation for theatre
D) gain cultural development and appreciation in a state-of-the art environment
E) develop an understanding that theatre is about team work; that all actors, their parts, and everyone involved is important and depended upon.
Those students not attending the trip MUST have their parents speak with me, their teachers, or Mr. Sawatsky. You will be expected to make-up for missing this experience.
Students in Grades 4 and 5 will not receive a script until they have passed a test determining their comprehension about the plot in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Test date will be the Wednesday following Thanksgiving!
More postings about this week's classroom activities will follow shortly.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Deras
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Third Week of Classes #4 and #5 - September 19 & 21, 2011
Dear ALL Concerned: The stage can be a wonderful place of self-discovery. Human emotions, plights, experiences are discovered, better understood through movement, facial expression, vocalization, and projection of character. We, as the audience are in turn moved to laugh, to cry, to FEEL.............
Please be aware that in order to have your children experience drama fully, they must be in a place of trust, where each child can depend on the other. We will try to cultivate this, but children must also be willing to be dependable. This means they MUST be respectful of EVERYONE!
We are, for now, wasting much time trying to make sure that some children are a) QUIET and LISTENING; b) keep their hands and legs and other body parts to themselves; c) follow instructions given in class.
I will not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour, as it is unfair to those who are listening and following. Your child, if they will continue to be disruptive after 2 warnings, will be asked to LEAVE the class. If they miss more than 4 rehearsals for this reason, they WILL NOT BE allowed on stage for performances.
My reasoning for this is as follows: on the stage, and behind the curtains there are many wires, electrical devices, musical instruments, props, chairs, etc. There are also stairs. Although we take every precaution to keep your children safe, some are very VERY little, and if pushed, or not paying attention, or not listening can be hurt.
In order to avoid accidents, children must be obedient and respectful. We need them to climb on stage in single file, and without pushing for instance, for reasons obvious to us. Please encourage your children to listen and follow instructions, and understand why we practise OVER and OVER many of the things we learn. Yes, this is boring to those who understand and follow instructions right away. It's also unfair that some feel they don't have to do what they are told, while most are waiting for them to stop being silly.
Thank you for your understanding,
Mrs. Deras
Dramatic Arts Teacher
PS We are using the small stage for grades SK to 8, for our classes. The JK A & B's are no longer in this room, but in the classroom, for their safety. They must be respectful first, to earn the privilege of "being on stage".
Grade 3
This week we warmed up with mime stories on the small stage. The stories of Jane Bingham's, Emotion series were acted out to develop the use of facial expressions and actions. The stories deal with social skills and emotions in line with the Grade 3, Unit 1 - Who We Are.
We also practised walking in and out, sitting, standing, and bowing on cue. Way to go Grade 3's you're the best out of all my classes so far!!!!!
We finished our 2 stories for the Christmas pageant, and have voted on which we would like to narrate.
Grades 6,7 and 8
We are independently beginning to enter the class as we would the stage. Keep going, you may be better than the grade three's soon. :-)
Some students were able to read their passages outloud with corrections in elocution and fluency. We'll get to the rest.
Twelfth Night: We reviewed the cast of characters, discussed the audition process, explained the importance of "value-added input", and the script was read out loud (half way).
AUDITION SHEETS ARE POSTED: THIS GROUP MUST AUDITION!!!! PICK A CHARACTER.
ATTENTION: Students must have a binder or 3-pronged duo-tang, a pencil, an eraser, and water in class.
Grade 1 and 2
We walked in line MANY TIMES, in order to practise walking on stage appropriately.
We reviewed stage directions and practised a stage game. Good job everyone! It's coming along.
After reviewing Jane Bingham's books on Emotions, we are practising walking on stage, introducing ourselves, saying a few sentences, following up with facial expressions, bowing, and exiting. Good work here too!
Grade 4 and 5
HOMEWORK: Mrs. Deras collected the list of 20 emotions from MOST students. Two students recieve a bonus for handing this in ON TIME on Monday. The rest receive their grade as is. Those who are late (yes, next Monday is LATE) will receive a deduction.
We needed to walk into class many, MANY, MANY, times due to a complete disregard of instructions. Again - this applies only to some students and is totally unfair to others who are patiently doing what they are told. The grade 3's are MUCH better, if that is any incentive.
Twelfth Night: We discussed the audtion process, the cast of characters, and read some of the script.
AUDITION NOTICES HAVE BEEN POSTED: This group MAY audition (you don't have to). Keep in mind that EVERYONE will have a speaking part in the play. Keep in mind also that the roles will be assigned based on merit, ability, dependability (arriving on cue), projection of voice, elocution, etc. You do not get the role you want just because you want it. You must "wow" the audition panel first.
ATTENTION: Students must have a binder or three-pronged duo-tang, a pencil, and an eraser for ALL classes. I will NOT be reprinting anything if it becomes LOST!
JK B
We played "Follow the Leader" and "Simon Says" in order to have the children learn to follow instructions.
We discussed what we do and how we look when we are happy. We sang the song: "If You're Happy and You Know It". Then, most children introduced themselves independently and told everyone what makes them happy.
We sang "Twinkle Twinkle" with actions in order to begin coordinating singing and movement.
We almost finished the story "Something From Nothing" - but there are many disruptions in this class, caused by a few (2) affecting many. Please note, you will be removed from the class if you misbehave. Parents, please see me if you have any problems with this.
JK A
We played "Follow the Leader" and "Simon Says" in order to have the children learn to follow instructions.
We sang "Twinkle Twinkle" with actions in order to begin coordinating singing and movement.
We discussed what we do and how we look when we are happy. We sang the song: "If You're Happy and You Know It". Then most children introduced themselves independently and told everyone what makes them happy.
Since we don't quite understand what facial features are, we sang "Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes" several times and became very quick at it.
This class was able to hear the story "Something from Nothing" and included actions. Very good JK A's.
JK B/SK Both Classes
We have been introduced to stage directions and followed this up with a game.
We are also practising walking into class like we would onto a stage. We then focus on standing, sitting, bowing.
The children are on stage one at a time to introduce themselves and to state an emotion and then follow it up with a facial expression and body movement. Well done!
Ms. Genco's class was well behaved enough to be able to walk across the big stage TWICE and to see what is behind those black curtains known as "back stage".
Ms. Mischuk's class reviewed sitting appropriately and following instructions. Maybe next week we too will see the stage.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Deras
Please be aware that in order to have your children experience drama fully, they must be in a place of trust, where each child can depend on the other. We will try to cultivate this, but children must also be willing to be dependable. This means they MUST be respectful of EVERYONE!
We are, for now, wasting much time trying to make sure that some children are a) QUIET and LISTENING; b) keep their hands and legs and other body parts to themselves; c) follow instructions given in class.
I will not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour, as it is unfair to those who are listening and following. Your child, if they will continue to be disruptive after 2 warnings, will be asked to LEAVE the class. If they miss more than 4 rehearsals for this reason, they WILL NOT BE allowed on stage for performances.
My reasoning for this is as follows: on the stage, and behind the curtains there are many wires, electrical devices, musical instruments, props, chairs, etc. There are also stairs. Although we take every precaution to keep your children safe, some are very VERY little, and if pushed, or not paying attention, or not listening can be hurt.
In order to avoid accidents, children must be obedient and respectful. We need them to climb on stage in single file, and without pushing for instance, for reasons obvious to us. Please encourage your children to listen and follow instructions, and understand why we practise OVER and OVER many of the things we learn. Yes, this is boring to those who understand and follow instructions right away. It's also unfair that some feel they don't have to do what they are told, while most are waiting for them to stop being silly.
Thank you for your understanding,
Mrs. Deras
Dramatic Arts Teacher
PS We are using the small stage for grades SK to 8, for our classes. The JK A & B's are no longer in this room, but in the classroom, for their safety. They must be respectful first, to earn the privilege of "being on stage".
Grade 3
This week we warmed up with mime stories on the small stage. The stories of Jane Bingham's, Emotion series were acted out to develop the use of facial expressions and actions. The stories deal with social skills and emotions in line with the Grade 3, Unit 1 - Who We Are.
We also practised walking in and out, sitting, standing, and bowing on cue. Way to go Grade 3's you're the best out of all my classes so far!!!!!
We finished our 2 stories for the Christmas pageant, and have voted on which we would like to narrate.
Grades 6,7 and 8
We are independently beginning to enter the class as we would the stage. Keep going, you may be better than the grade three's soon. :-)
Some students were able to read their passages outloud with corrections in elocution and fluency. We'll get to the rest.
Twelfth Night: We reviewed the cast of characters, discussed the audition process, explained the importance of "value-added input", and the script was read out loud (half way).
AUDITION SHEETS ARE POSTED: THIS GROUP MUST AUDITION!!!! PICK A CHARACTER.
ATTENTION: Students must have a binder or 3-pronged duo-tang, a pencil, an eraser, and water in class.
Grade 1 and 2
We walked in line MANY TIMES, in order to practise walking on stage appropriately.
We reviewed stage directions and practised a stage game. Good job everyone! It's coming along.
After reviewing Jane Bingham's books on Emotions, we are practising walking on stage, introducing ourselves, saying a few sentences, following up with facial expressions, bowing, and exiting. Good work here too!
Grade 4 and 5
HOMEWORK: Mrs. Deras collected the list of 20 emotions from MOST students. Two students recieve a bonus for handing this in ON TIME on Monday. The rest receive their grade as is. Those who are late (yes, next Monday is LATE) will receive a deduction.
We needed to walk into class many, MANY, MANY, times due to a complete disregard of instructions. Again - this applies only to some students and is totally unfair to others who are patiently doing what they are told. The grade 3's are MUCH better, if that is any incentive.
Twelfth Night: We discussed the audtion process, the cast of characters, and read some of the script.
AUDITION NOTICES HAVE BEEN POSTED: This group MAY audition (you don't have to). Keep in mind that EVERYONE will have a speaking part in the play. Keep in mind also that the roles will be assigned based on merit, ability, dependability (arriving on cue), projection of voice, elocution, etc. You do not get the role you want just because you want it. You must "wow" the audition panel first.
ATTENTION: Students must have a binder or three-pronged duo-tang, a pencil, and an eraser for ALL classes. I will NOT be reprinting anything if it becomes LOST!
JK B
We played "Follow the Leader" and "Simon Says" in order to have the children learn to follow instructions.
We discussed what we do and how we look when we are happy. We sang the song: "If You're Happy and You Know It". Then, most children introduced themselves independently and told everyone what makes them happy.
We sang "Twinkle Twinkle" with actions in order to begin coordinating singing and movement.
We almost finished the story "Something From Nothing" - but there are many disruptions in this class, caused by a few (2) affecting many. Please note, you will be removed from the class if you misbehave. Parents, please see me if you have any problems with this.
JK A
We played "Follow the Leader" and "Simon Says" in order to have the children learn to follow instructions.
We sang "Twinkle Twinkle" with actions in order to begin coordinating singing and movement.
We discussed what we do and how we look when we are happy. We sang the song: "If You're Happy and You Know It". Then most children introduced themselves independently and told everyone what makes them happy.
Since we don't quite understand what facial features are, we sang "Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes" several times and became very quick at it.
This class was able to hear the story "Something from Nothing" and included actions. Very good JK A's.
JK B/SK Both Classes
We have been introduced to stage directions and followed this up with a game.
We are also practising walking into class like we would onto a stage. We then focus on standing, sitting, bowing.
The children are on stage one at a time to introduce themselves and to state an emotion and then follow it up with a facial expression and body movement. Well done!
Ms. Genco's class was well behaved enough to be able to walk across the big stage TWICE and to see what is behind those black curtains known as "back stage".
Ms. Mischuk's class reviewed sitting appropriately and following instructions. Maybe next week we too will see the stage.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Deras
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Second Week of Classes #2 & #3 - Monday, Sept. 12 and Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011
Grade 3
This week we reviewed stage directions. We also discussed the definitions of SCRIPT, DIRECTOR, NARRATOR, CAST, STAGE MANAGER, AND STAGE HANDS.
We focused and acted out the emotion of being "Scared" by Jane Bingham.
We also read four books to determine a potential script for the Christmas concert. We narrowed it down to two.
Grades 6, 7 and 8
This week we discussed seeing "Twelfth Night" by W. Shakespeare in Stratford. We will need to review theatre etiquiette, but most already know how to behave, and the rest are just being silly (I hope).
We discussed and planned the Christmas concert, as I expect them to help prepare it for the rest of the school.
HOMEWORK: Every student is to bring in a short passage to practise reading with emotion and fluency - out loud.
Grades 1 and 2
All children took part in an activity highlighting animal movements but with emotion - we had some sad lions, and happy fish, and annoyed elephants.
We read books by Jane Bingham about emotions.
We practised walking in line.
Grades 4 and 5
We reviewed the rules and regulations of our class as we have a very chatty bunch of boys.
We then attempted to act out some scenes with emotions based on the books by Jane Bingham. We reviewed emotions.
We need very much to focus on walking in line, in pairs, on cue - more on this later.
HOMEWORK: the students are to prepare a list of 20 emotions - DUE: Monday
JK B
We started off our classes with the formation of a circle through the "Sleeping Bear Song" (this is an adaptation from the traditional Polish song - Stary Niedzwiedz Mocno Spi).
We then read the emotion books by Jane Bingham and practised making appropriate facial expressions and body movements.
We then expressed these through the song: "If you're .......... and you know it". (Happy, Sad, Angry, Scared)
The children then all answered the question: "What makes you happy?" It is pretty easy for them at this age.
JK A
We tried to start off with the circle song about the "Sleeping Bear". We are having some difficulties paying attention and doing what we are told.
We then listened to the books about emotions by Jane Bingham. We read "HAPPY" and followed up with how we behave and look when we are happy. We clap, we smile, we sing. The children all answered the question: "What Makes You Happy?"
JK B and ALL SK students
We began the class with the "Sleeping Bear" song in order to practise formations and following directions.
We studied all of Jane Bingham's books about emotions. The children then had everyone try to guess their emotion as they presented it one by one on stage.
The children practised being flowers that awaken, sang "If you're ............ and you know it" using different modes of expression for different emotions.
Following directions in drama is imperative! More on this with the next blog entry.
This week we reviewed stage directions. We also discussed the definitions of SCRIPT, DIRECTOR, NARRATOR, CAST, STAGE MANAGER, AND STAGE HANDS.
We focused and acted out the emotion of being "Scared" by Jane Bingham.
We also read four books to determine a potential script for the Christmas concert. We narrowed it down to two.
Grades 6, 7 and 8
This week we discussed seeing "Twelfth Night" by W. Shakespeare in Stratford. We will need to review theatre etiquiette, but most already know how to behave, and the rest are just being silly (I hope).
We discussed and planned the Christmas concert, as I expect them to help prepare it for the rest of the school.
HOMEWORK: Every student is to bring in a short passage to practise reading with emotion and fluency - out loud.
Grades 1 and 2
All children took part in an activity highlighting animal movements but with emotion - we had some sad lions, and happy fish, and annoyed elephants.
We read books by Jane Bingham about emotions.
We practised walking in line.
Grades 4 and 5
We reviewed the rules and regulations of our class as we have a very chatty bunch of boys.
We then attempted to act out some scenes with emotions based on the books by Jane Bingham. We reviewed emotions.
We need very much to focus on walking in line, in pairs, on cue - more on this later.
HOMEWORK: the students are to prepare a list of 20 emotions - DUE: Monday
JK B
We started off our classes with the formation of a circle through the "Sleeping Bear Song" (this is an adaptation from the traditional Polish song - Stary Niedzwiedz Mocno Spi).
We then read the emotion books by Jane Bingham and practised making appropriate facial expressions and body movements.
We then expressed these through the song: "If you're .......... and you know it". (Happy, Sad, Angry, Scared)
The children then all answered the question: "What makes you happy?" It is pretty easy for them at this age.
JK A
We tried to start off with the circle song about the "Sleeping Bear". We are having some difficulties paying attention and doing what we are told.
We then listened to the books about emotions by Jane Bingham. We read "HAPPY" and followed up with how we behave and look when we are happy. We clap, we smile, we sing. The children all answered the question: "What Makes You Happy?"
JK B and ALL SK students
We began the class with the "Sleeping Bear" song in order to practise formations and following directions.
We studied all of Jane Bingham's books about emotions. The children then had everyone try to guess their emotion as they presented it one by one on stage.
The children practised being flowers that awaken, sang "If you're ............ and you know it" using different modes of expression for different emotions.
Following directions in drama is imperative! More on this with the next blog entry.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
First Drama Class
Welcome Back! It's a new school year, with fresh ideas, eager faces, and St. Jude's is in the Candidacy stage of obtaining International Baccalaureate Status. This means much for all of us, as we aspire to excellence in education. We look forward to a year filled with much dramatic flair and theatre arts to amuse, inspire, educate, and allow for creative thought to flourish. Let's hope to be all that we can.
Grades 6, 7, and 8
We went striaght into introductions with style. There was emphasis on speaking with accents, so that we may better understand Who We Are and Where We Come From.
The children had a review of rules so that drama class will be an environment filled with respect, trust, and growth to our fullest potential.
Grades 4 and 5
I need to know them, they need to know themselves, and we must see which areas of public speaking will require attention: introductions abounded as did a review of rules.
Most students remembered stage directions, and those who are new, learned them quickly in our "walk across the stage" game.
Grade 3
This group created the rules for behaviour in St. Jude's Auditorium as well as the requirements in drama class. Any complaints, turn to our pros, who have - themselves - requested that everyone be allowed to speak in turn, that we listen, and that parents refrain from flash photography when their children are on stage.
Not to worry - before we perform, we will post our rules for attending the theatre.
We also reviewed stage directions in the form of a game.
Grades 1 and 2
We began with mini-introductions and started to study movement and emotions. The class was very eager to imitate animal characteristics as well as to assign moods and feelings to their animals. We still have some eager participants to demonstrate this during our next class.
SK's
This group was introduced to public speaking, the stage, and bowing. Many look like pros who knew exactly what to do. We also started to study facial mimicking based on emotions.
JK's
This group began the study of emotions through games and songs. The children's tears of apprehension quickly turned to delight as we tried not to wake the angry bear. This then facilitated into easy introductions where everyone spoke quite clearly.
Looking forward to wonderful adventures on the stage!
Mrs. Deras
Welcome Back! It's a new school year, with fresh ideas, eager faces, and St. Jude's is in the Candidacy stage of obtaining International Baccalaureate Status. This means much for all of us, as we aspire to excellence in education. We look forward to a year filled with much dramatic flair and theatre arts to amuse, inspire, educate, and allow for creative thought to flourish. Let's hope to be all that we can.
Grades 6, 7, and 8
We went striaght into introductions with style. There was emphasis on speaking with accents, so that we may better understand Who We Are and Where We Come From.
The children had a review of rules so that drama class will be an environment filled with respect, trust, and growth to our fullest potential.
Grades 4 and 5
I need to know them, they need to know themselves, and we must see which areas of public speaking will require attention: introductions abounded as did a review of rules.
Most students remembered stage directions, and those who are new, learned them quickly in our "walk across the stage" game.
Grade 3
This group created the rules for behaviour in St. Jude's Auditorium as well as the requirements in drama class. Any complaints, turn to our pros, who have - themselves - requested that everyone be allowed to speak in turn, that we listen, and that parents refrain from flash photography when their children are on stage.
Not to worry - before we perform, we will post our rules for attending the theatre.
We also reviewed stage directions in the form of a game.
Grades 1 and 2
We began with mini-introductions and started to study movement and emotions. The class was very eager to imitate animal characteristics as well as to assign moods and feelings to their animals. We still have some eager participants to demonstrate this during our next class.
SK's
This group was introduced to public speaking, the stage, and bowing. Many look like pros who knew exactly what to do. We also started to study facial mimicking based on emotions.
JK's
This group began the study of emotions through games and songs. The children's tears of apprehension quickly turned to delight as we tried not to wake the angry bear. This then facilitated into easy introductions where everyone spoke quite clearly.
Looking forward to wonderful adventures on the stage!
Mrs. Deras
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