Learning Goals

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • identify characteristics of the Three Worlds in Greek mythology
  • identify and use the basic elements of tableau to communicate ideas
  • improvise sound and movement to create the element of space/place
Materials
  • References about the Three Worlds (e.g., images, brief descriptions, context) (see Appendix 6)
  • Soft music

Minds On

Whole Class > Graveyard

  • A concentration game in which students must remain frozen sitting or laying on the ground while a volunteer tries to break their concentration (without touching).
  • When a frozen figure moves, she must join the volunteer and continue until one person remains frozen and wins the game.

Action

Whole Class > Introducing Tableau

  • Lead class through the basic elements of Tableaux: concentration, facial expression, focal point, depth of stage, levels, etc.

Small Groups > Three Worlds Tableau

  • Introduce concepts of the Three Worlds in Greek myths: the World of the Gods, the Physical World, and the Underworld.
  • Split students into three large groups and assign one of these worlds to each group. Groups must create a large-scale Tableau of their worlds, using the elements discussed. They will also be asked to make their worlds “come alive” with sound, movement, etc.

Consolidation

Whole Class > Presenting Tableau

  • Present tableaux one by one to the class, with soft music playing as accompaniment.
  • Begin with frozen tableau and snap fingers to make the tableau come alive.
Assessment for Learning (AfL)

Suggestions:

  • Side coaching students as they prepare tableau as feedback
  • Use a tableau checklist (see CODE's Tableau resource)
  • Use Anecdotal Records about student knowledge of the Three Worlds to inform future study