Students will demonstrate their ability to move with props by incorporating a prop into their movement around the classroom.
Materials Needed
You will need a prop for each student and a lot of extra props (at least one extra one per each student) set up on tables in the classroom. You will also need an projector as well as ideas for emotions for the students to demonstrate with their props.
Emotions Ideas:
Love Anger Hurt Sadness Tired Madness Misery Excited Strong
Possible Props:
Teddy bear Cane Walker Hat Boa Book Tray Cup Phone Camera Purse Umbrella
Lesson Directions
Anticipatory Set/Hook Hand each student a different object (prop) as they enter the classroom. Ask the students to find a seat with their prop
TEACHING PRESENTATION:
• Set up the classroom in the same way that it was set up for the Body Language lesson with the projector shining a big block of light onto a blank wall. • Ask for volunteers to come stand in the light. As they come up to stand in the light, be sure that they bring their object/prop with them. Tell the students in the light that this object is now an extension of them. Ask the students in the light to show you an emotion, but tell them they have to use the prop to help express it. • Allow time for all students to experiment on how they move with their props in the light. • After all students have had the chance to experiment with their movement with a prop in the light, turn the lights in the classroom back on and ask the students how the props influenced their music. • Was it more difficult to move with their object? Why? • Ask students, • What is a prop? • A prop is an object you move with. • Technically, a prop is any object held, manipulated, or carried by a performer during a theatrical performance. (wikipedia) • When do we use props? • On stage in shows. • Every day (your backpack is a prop to help you in your role as a student) • Have students switch props with ones that you have set out on the table or with each other. They cannot keep their original prop. • Tell the students that they are at a party and must interact with each other at the party while using their prop. They cannot hold their prop idly at their side. Have the students line up with their prop in hand. Have 5-6 students start out at the party. As you ding a bell, the person who has been there the longest switches out with the next person in line. • This will allow other students to observe how others use their props. • Allow the option for students to come back into the party (re-rotate through the line). They must use a new prop each time they come back in.
CLOSURE:
• Ask the students what is different about posing with a prop versus interacting with people while holding a prop. • Why is it important to be able to move with props? • Props make moving more difficult because you have to think about more than just how you move your body.
ASSESSMENT:
Students will be assessed on their participation in the prop party. They will be assessed on their use of their prop. If they used the prop, or attempted to use the prop, then they will receive full credit. If they just hold the prop at their side, they won’t receive participation credit.
