#artislit

Arthur Ashe 3rd Grade, Theatre & ELA Mr. Martin / Ms. Torres 

Ms. Torres’ class delved into the story “Action Jackson” by imagining their own BEGINNINGS and ENDINGS to key images in the story. The students were put into groups and asked to choose an image from the story. Then they created a TABLEAU of what they thought came BEFORE the image or what they thought came AFTER the image. Then the audience guessed which one the performing team chose. 

The students got really into taking on their roles and in most groups a natural leader/DIRECTOR would emerge to organize everyone and facilitate. This exercise isn’t only helpful in entering the text, it also allows further exploration of the story structures of BEGINNING/MIDDLE/END and gives students opportunities to think beyond what’s presented in the story. Students can create their own stories and learn when/how to lead and when/how to follow. We also practice great audience etiquette.