Parallel Curriculum Model

Kim Hutchens

Concept-Based Curriculum Unit

Educ 578

Spring 2007

Puppet Unit Outline/Summary

Elmo, Big Bird, Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frogwe know and love these characters! These characters are a part of our culture, seeming as real as humans with their distinct personalities. Would you like to know the secret to bringing a puppet to life? Is it as magical as Pinocchio? In reality, we know wishing on a star will not bring a puppet to life. In fact its life depends on you. Your manipulation will make it real and life-like to the audience. Puppets can be as simple or as complicated as you, the builder, want them to be. In this unit, we will explore the history of puppetry, puppet creation and manipulation, along with script writing and show production. We will create the magic that is puppet theatre, so grab your imagination and lets embark on a creative journey together. Lesson One: Puppetry through Time

1. Introduce puppetry.

2. Examine history and how puppets have been used around the world.

3. Read excerpts from text and internet articles on history.

4. Discuss skills of puppetry

Lesson Two: Types of Puppets

1. Discuss different types of puppets.

2. Groups will experiment with different puppets in classroom.

3. Use internet to find examples and instructions to craft different puppets.

4. Discuss culminating project for unit.

Lesson Three: Original Puppet Show

1. Discuss format for putting together script.

2. Examine sample puppet plays.

3. Organize groups that will work together to create scripts.

4. Discuss essential elements for writing a puppet play.

5. Distribute format outline for groups to follow.

6. Begin brainstorming ideas for puppet plays.

Students will continue working on puppet play throughout the rest of the unit.

Lesson Four: Puppet Construction

1. Collect materials for construction.

2. Create drawings of puppet types.

3. Groups will work on Web Quest to research and create puppets.

4. Complete puppet profile.

Lesson Five: Puppet Manipulation and Characterization

1. Discuss basic puppet manipulation for each type of puppet.

2. Animate a puppet character completing movement exercises.

3. Experiment with puppets voice using vocal variety.

4. Experiment with puppet improvisation.

Lesson Six: Producing a Puppet Show

1. Work with a group to produce a puppet show.

2. Use technical elements to enhance the puppet production.

3. Keep rehearsal log.

4. Complete self-evaluation.

5. Create set and collect needed props.

6. Perform puppet show.

Description of Unit

Rationale

Puppetry is a special topic in theatre. In theatre, students not only study acting skills but also how to use these acting skills in a variety of presentations; puppet theatre being one of these. Students throughout the year learn to develop acting skills, playwriting techniques, and produce theatrical productions. This unit incorporates all of these skills.

Purpose

The purpose of this unit is to teach students about the magic of puppet theatre. As well as offering students an opportunity to participate in a real theatre experience, this unit meets state objects of characterization and vocal production. These acting techniques can be seen in a different way as students use puppets instead of their own bodies. In this unit, student will explore the history of puppetry, puppetry techniques, and technical elements of puppetry. In addition, students will experience the pleasure and power of puppet theatre.

Target Audience

This unit is designed for middle school learners, specifically seventh and eighth graders. Aspects of this unit could be adapted for lower and higher grades.

Appropriateness for Gifted Learners

Puppetry offers gifted learners an opportunity to explore while using creativity and imagination. Gifted learners will have many opportunities to control their own learning focus in the area of puppetry. Students will have multiple opportunities to explore puppetry through the creation of their original puppets and scripts. Gifted learners will also be able to study the art, drama, and history of other cultures through the history of puppetry. This hands-on project allows gifted learners to work independently and cooperatively in participating in a real puppet show and its technical aspects.

Prerequisites for Students

Storytelling will be the unit presented before puppetry. Students will incorporate storytelling techniques into their original scripts and acting through puppetry. Students will have studied mime and pantomime, very basic acting skills. Through these skills, students will study presenting dramatic skills without words before beginning puppetry. In addition, students will use previously studied skills of observation and concentration learned through introductory acting games.

Concept-Based Curriculum Flowchart

Lesson One

Components Menu for Lesson Plans

Topic: Puppetry through Time

Grade: 7/8th

Lesson Length: 2 class periods

(One for computer lab and one for timeline)Discipline(s): Theatre Arts Instructor: Hutchens Content Knowledge/StandardsConceptual Lens: Imagination in theatrical performancesConcepts: art, creativity, relationships, structure

Essential questions: How is imagination used in designing and creating theatre? How does art enhance theatre?

Principles: Humans have used puppets throughout time to capture and recreate real and fictitious experiences. Processes/Skills: Acquiring, reading, researching, communicatingStandards: Students will Examine history of puppetry Examine/research how puppets have been used around the world.

Assessment

Pre-assessment: Students will make a list of how puppets have been used throughout history. Assessment: Groups will present research findings on history of puppets. Groups will research and collect data. As a whole group, students will compare data and create a class timeline.

IntroductionStudents will play improvisational game with puppets.

Teaching MethodsDirect Instruction: Teacher will give directions for timeline research. Teacher will explain research process using the internet.

Groups will research and investigate history of puppetry in lab.

Teacher will facilitate as whole group collaborates to create a timeline of the history of puppetry using butcher paper.

Learning ActivitiesGroups will determine how puppets have been used throughout history. Students may collect pictures as artifacts to include on timeline.Compare/contrast how different countries have used puppetry.

Groups will summarize information for timeline.

ResourcesText

Internet

Library resources

ProductsClass Timeline

GroupingStudents will work in small groups to conduct research. Students will then work in a whole group setting to compile findings.

ExtensionsResearch Jim Henson.

Research puppetry in the United States today.

Differentiation/Ascending Levels of

Intellectual Demand

Assist lower learners in finding adequate resources.

Allow higher end students to explore areas of interest deeper based on group research findings. Student may explore own interests out of the initial research.

Lesson Two

Components Menu for Lesson Plans

Topic: Lesson Two Types of Puppets Grade: 7/8th Lesson Length: 3 class periods

Discipline(s): Theatre Arts Instructor: Hutchens

Content Knowledge/StandardsConceptual Lens: Imagination in theatrical performances

Concepts: art, creativity, relationships, structure

Essential questions: How is imagination used in designing and creating theatre? How does art enhance theatre?

Principles: Imagination helps puppeteers create and manipulate puppets. Puppet variations can enhance theatrical puppet presentations.

Processes/Skills: Brainstorming, acquiring, organizing, researching, presenting

Standards:Students will

recognize and identify the five basic puppet types

understand the way a puppeteer manipulates or works a puppet

Assessment

Pre-assessment:

Students will identify puppets pictures on handout in groups.

Assessment: Students will find pictures of the different puppet types using the internet. Students will create an informative puppet brochure. Brochure should contain five types and instructions for basic construction.

IntroductionStudents will explore and play with puppets at stations in classroom. Students will vote on most popular puppet.

Teaching MethodsDirect Instruction on basic puppet types: rod, shadow, hand, marionettes, and moveable-mouth.Discuss advantages/disadvantages of using each type.Pairs will research and gather information on constructing the five puppet types

Learning ActivitiesUsing text, available puppet books, and internet, students will gather pictures and instructions to create puppets using information on the internet. Students should begin thinking about what type of puppet they would like to create.

ResourcesText

Puppet books

Internet

Pictures

Puppets

ProductsPairs will create an informative brochure on five types of puppets with basic instructions on construction.

GroupingStudents will work in pairs to create brochure.

ExtensionsStudents can find articles on puppetry to post on bulletin board.

Students could design a new puppet type based on household items.

Differentiation/Ascending Levels of

Intellectual Demand

Lower learners can follow brochure template.

Higher learners can create a puppet show allowing the specific puppet types to introduce themselves and describe their unique attributes as the puppet character.

Lesson Three

Components Menu for Lesson Plans

Topic: Original Puppet Show Grade: 7/8th

Lesson Length: One week (Five Class Periods)Discipline(s): Theatre Arts Instructor: Hutchens Content Knowledge/StandardsConceptual Lens: Imagination in theatrical performances

Concepts: art, creativity, relationships, structure

Essential questions: How is imagination used in designing and creating theatre? How does art enhance theatre?

Principles: In developing a script, writers use their creativity to follow a basic plot structure of a beginning, middle, and end. Writers develop relationships between characters through action and dialogue.

Processes/Skills: Brainstorming, collaborating, organizing, observing, writing, sharing, listening, presenting

Standards:

Students will

write a puppet script using original dialogue

work collaboratively to share, organize, and develop plot and character ideas

Assessment

AssessmentPre-assessment:

Students will outline the basic structure of a play and list important element that must be included.

Assessment: Students will collaboratively create an original puppet play. Groups will compile possible ideas and then select one idea from which to develop a script. Groups will create a plot outline including the five Wswho, what, when, where, and why.

IntroductionStudents will read the puppet play The Frog Prince. Students will act out with stick puppets. Students will outline essential plot elements.

Teaching MethodsDirect Instruction: Teacher will review plot essential plot elements.

Group Discussion: Debrief after reading puppet play. Create format outline for groups to follow while writing play.

Cooperative Learning: Students will apply these strategies to writing their own group puppet script.

Learning ActivitiesStudents will collaboratively work together in groups to compose an original puppet play that includes each group member as a character. Students will use patterns in fiction and puppet play examined to create their own.

ResourcesText

Sample Puppet Play, The Frog Prince

ProductsStudents will compose an original puppet script.

GroupingStudents will work in small groups to draft play.

ExtensionsPuppet MTV. Students can add a song to their original puppet show. Students may choose an upbeat musical number to lip-sync and choreograph with puppets.

Differentiation/Ascending Levels of

Intellectual Demand

Allow lower learners to base original puppet show on a familiar story line.Create puppet commercials for breaks between puppet shows using familiar house hold products.

Lesson Four

Components Menu for Lesson Plans

Topic: Making a Puppet

Grade: 7/8th

Lesson Length: 3 or 4 class periodsDiscipline(s): Theatre Arts Instructor:Hutchens

Content Knowledge/StandardsConceptual Lens: Imagination in theatrical performances

Concepts: art, creativity, relationships, structure

Essential questions: How is imagination used in designing and creating theatre? How does art enhance theatre?

Principles: Imagination is key in creating a puppet. A puppets character is determined partly by the way it looks.

Processes/Skills: Brainstorming, acquiring, organizing, researching, presenting

Standards:

Students will

recognize and identify the five basic puppet types

use imagination to design and make an original puppet

use other art forms to enhance theatre

Assessment

AssessmentPre-assessment:

Students will list possible instructions to create puppets.

Assessment: Students on unlined white paper will design and color an original puppet from each of the five basic types.

Students will take one of these designs and actually create a puppet for their original puppet play. Students will collect and bring to class materials to make this original puppet.

IntroductionStudents will watch scene from The Sound of Music using marionette puppets.

Teaching MethodsPowerPoint: Review types of puppets.

Demonstration of types of drawings

Groups will brainstorm appropriate puppet construction for original puppet play.

Learning ActivitiesWeb Quest: Students will complete Web Quest on creating an original puppet.

Explore the Internet: Students will explore different ways to create puppets using information on the internet. Compare/contrast different types for group purpose.

Students will create a puppet profile.

ResourcesText

Internet

Pictures

Puppets

Art supplies

ProductsStudents will sketch/draw all different types of puppets.

Students will create an original puppet.

GroupingStudents will work in small groups to work on Web Quest.

ExtensionsStudents could post instructions to create their particular puppet on the internet.

Students may create their own Web Quest to create a puppet.

Differentiation/Ascending Levels of

Intellectual Demand

Adjust number of drawings for lower learners.

Research puppet creation for the Broadway musical, The Lion King, for higher learners.

Lesson Five

Components Menu for Lesson Plans

Topic: Puppet Manipulation and Characterization

Grade: 7/8th

Lesson Length: 2 Class PeriodsDiscipline(s): Theatre Arts Instructor:Hutchens

Content Knowledge/StandardsConceptual Lens: Imagination in theatrical performances

Macro-concepts:

Concepts: art, creativity, relationships, structure

Essential questions: How is imagination used in designing and creating theatre? How does art enhance theatre?

Principles: Puppets become life-like when human actors use their imagination to create movements and gestures. Characterization is enhanced by puppet manipulation, creative voices, and the relationships between characters.

Processes/Skills: Brainstorming, creative thinking, vocalizationsStandards:

Students will

explore puppet manipulations

animate a puppet character

experiment with puppet voices

Assessment

AssessmentPre-assessment:

Students will bring to life a pencil or pen by moving it and talking as a puppet.Assessment: Complete movement exercise checklist with group.

IntroductionStudents will view Hansel and Gretel by award-winning puppeteer Jim Gamble.

Teaching MethodsDirect Instruction: Teacher will go over basic principles and concepts of puppet manipulation.

Guest Speaker will outline and demonstrate basic puppet manipulation. Guest speaker will lead students through some guided improvisation with puppets focusing on manipulation.Teacher will guide students through vocal exercises to assist them in finding their puppet voice.

Learning ActivitiesStudents will complete movement exercises with puppet. Students will have puppet sing short familiar songs, such as Happy Birthday or the Alphabet Song to work on movement.

Students will complete vocal exercises. Students will try different voices as they recite nursery rhymes. Groups can help members decide on the most appropriate voice for their puppet character.

ResourcesText

Guest SpeakerPuppets

Pens/Pencils

ProductsMovements and Voices to incorporate into original puppet show.

GroupingStudents will work in small groups to work on Web Quest.

ExtensionsStudents can find additional resources to share with class on puppet manipulation and vocalization in the library or on the internet.

Differentiation/Ascending Levels of

Intellectual Demand

Lower learners should make a list of three important movements they will incorporate into their original puppet show. Practice using puppet voice in front of partner.Create a one-minute monologue for puppet character incorporating movement and vocalization.

Lesson Six

Components Menu for Lesson PlansTopic: Producing a Puppet Show

Grade: 7/8th

Lesson Length: Seven Class PeriodsDiscipline(s): Theatre Arts Instructor:Hutchens

Content Knowledge/StandardsConceptual Lens: Imagination in theatrical performances

Macro-concepts:

Concepts: art, creativity, relationships, structure

Essential questions: How is imagination used in designing and creating theatre? How does art enhance theatre?

Principles: Art, creativity, and other technical elements help enhance puppet theatre. Acting with puppets requires actors to create relationships with other actor and/or puppets.

Processes/Skills: Creative thinking, collaboration, communicating, concentration Standards:

Students will

work with a group to produce an original puppet show

use technical elements to enhance theatrical performance

incorporate prior knowledge of puppets into show

evaluate performances

Assessment

AssessmentPre-assessment:

Students will collaborate with group to brainstorm a checklist needed for their puppet production.Assessment: Students will perform original puppet show using created puppets.

IntroductionJournal Entry: Why should puppetry be viewed as an art form rather than just a craft activity for children?

Class will discuss responses.

Teaching MethodsTeacher will monitor groups needs. Basic decisions for groups:

What type of stage will be needed?

What type of scenery?

What props?

Any other technical elements to be added?

Learning ActivitiesStudents will decide essential elements of performance and rehearsal timeline.

Students will begin rehearsal process and document in rehearsal logs. Students will also add technical aspects and stage directions to original script.

Students will follow rehearsal timeline developed by class in order to be ready for final performance.

Students will examine rubric (could create an original rubric) for performance.

ResourcesOriginal ScriptsOriginal Puppets

Other supplies to be determined by each group

ProductsStudents will complete rehearsal log

Students will turn in final script with added stage directions and technical notes.

Students will complete evaluation rubric on each group.

GroupingStudents will work in small groups to produce play. They will work with same groups that composed scripts.

ExtensionsCreate a sound track that could accompany puppet show.

Differentiation/Ascending Levels of

Intellectual Demand

Gifted learners could perform commercials previously created between puppet performances.

Gifted learners could compile a list of twenty different special effects that might be used in puppet shows. Invent a simple way to achieve each special effect.

Gifted learners could explore topic of his/her own choice relating to puppetry.

Lower learners may need to use script for performance.

Incorporation of Type I and Type II ActivitiesType I

1. Students will use the internet and books to collect pictures of puppets used throughout history. Class will create a history timeline of puppetry using research gathered from text and internet.

2. Students will gather information on types of puppets using the internet.

3. Students will view marionette puppets in The Sound of Music and a production of Hansel and Gretel.

4. Guest speaker will outline and demonstrate basic puppet manipulation. Guest speaker will leads students through guided improvisation with puppets focusing on manipulation.

5. Students will rotate through centers to experiment with different puppet types.

Type II

1. Students will complete a Web Quest on creating an original puppet. Students will work cooperatively and make decisions regarding puppet type and construction based on their research and the play they are presenting. Students will then create their puppet.2. Students will create a brochure on designing and building puppet types.

3. In groups, students will compose an original puppet play.

4. In groups, students will present original puppet play.

Description of Learning/Interest Center

Students will rotate through five stations. At these stations, students will explore and play with different types of puppets. Students will improv with puppets and practice manipulating different types. At the end of class, students will vote for the puppet they liked the best.

Description of Assessments

Lesson 1

Pre-assessment: Students will make a list of how puppets have been used throughout history.

Assessment: Groups will present research findings on history of puppets. Groups will research and collect data. As a whole group, students will compare data and create a class timeline.Lesson 2

Pre-assessment: Students will identify puppets pictures on handout in groups.

Assessment: Students will find pictures of the different puppet types using the internet. Students will create an informative puppet brochure. Brochure should contain five types and instructions for basic construction.Lesson 3

Pre-assessment: Students will outline the basic structure of a play and list important element that must be included.

Assessment: Students will collaboratively create an original puppet play. Groups will compile possible ideas and then select one idea from which to develop a script. Groups will create a plot outline including the five Wswho, what, when, where, and why.Lesson 4

Pre-assessment: Students will list possible instructions to create puppets.

Assessment: Students on unlined white paper will design and color an original puppet from each of the five basic types. Students will take one of these designs and actually create a puppet for their original puppet play. Students will collect and bring to class materials to make this original puppet.Lesson 5

Pre-assessment: Students will bring to life a pencil or pen by moving it and talking as a puppet.Assessment: Complete movement exercise checklist with group.Lesson 6

Pre-assessment: Students will collaborate with group to brainstorm a checklist needed for their puppet production.

Culminating Performance Task:

Assessment: Students will perform original puppet show using created puppets. Students will be grades according to rubric that they design. See sample.References

Bany-Winters, L. (1997). On stage: theatre games and activities for kids. Chicago: Chicago Review Press.

Prince, N., & Jackson, J. (2005). Exploring theatre. New York: Glencoe.Facts

(Objectives)

Students will participate in playwriting to create, tell, and enact original scripts (COS).

Students will develop vocal clarity in performance (COS).

Students discuss the use of voice in drama (COS).

Additional Objectives

Students will

recognize puppet types

create original puppet script

use imagination to design original puppet

Explore puppet manipulations

Animate a puppet character, experiment with puppet voices

Representative Topic

Puppetry

Skills

Characterization

Voice production

puppet construction

types of puppets

puppet manipulation

writing puppet show

producing puppet show

Critical Content

Concepts

art

creativity

relationships

structure

CONCEPTUAL LENS

Imagination

Essential Understandings/Generalizations

Theatrical performances require technical and creative proficiency.

Imagination must be used to design and create art.

Art enhances theatre.

Actors and production crews must interact with one another to create a theatrical experience.

Characters relationships create good stories.

Essential Questions

How is imagination used in designing and creating theatre? How does art enhance theatre?

Culminating Performance Task

Students will create an original puppet show with original puppets.

Instructional Activities

Research puppet types and construction

Work in groups to create an original puppet script

Create an original puppet

Create props, background scenery, etc. to enhance production

Perform puppet show

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