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