On Nov 17, 2021 third grade students shared three very different reader’s theatres with each other. Two of the scripts taught sequencing. All of the scripts strengthened reading and expression.
LOL: Mrs. Reynold’s class rehearsed and shared “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything.” [Book by Linda Williams] Ask students what “clomp, clomp, wiggle, wiggle, shake, shake, clap, clap, nod, nod, boo, boo!” means. They’ll tell you about the scary scarecrow that ended up in the Little Old Lady’s garden. Storytellers, sound crew and an ensemble of trees and crows took part in this class-to-class share with the other third grades.
Things that talk? Mrs. Karri’s class rehearsed and shared “Talk, Talk, Talk” – a west African tale of things that like to squawk! A farmer, fisherman and weaver are startled when things like their yams, dog, trees, rocks, fishnet, fish, and bolts of cloth start talking to them. The chief thinks it’s all nonsense, but the last laugh is on him! Student storytellers and a sound crew made it come alive for other third grade classes. [Original narrative mime script by Louise Thistle]
A Mayan Myth: Mrs. Creer’s class rehearsed and shared a Mayan myth from Central America called “The Birth and Creation of the Corn God.” It featured student storytellers, animals, Sun God, Moon Goddess, mud people, wood people, a dog, a cooking pot, a grinding stone, Magic Grandmother, corn people and even a Corn God. A sound crew punctuated the action with rhythm instruments. [Original narrative mime script by Louise Thistle]
Lisa Bean, K-5 drama integration coach, adapted and staged the reader’s theatres with support and help from Mrs. Creer, Mrs. Karri and Mrs. Reynolds. The Nebo School District partners with the “Beverley Taylor Sorenson Elementary Arts Learning Program” to provide unique arts training and experiences for Brockbank teachers and students in dance, drama, music and visual arts.