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Storytellers Serving Others
Created by Beth Ohlsson, Frederick County Public Schools
Subject Area: English or Theater Arts
Grade Level: 8-12
This service-learning program is infused into the eighth grade theater
arts curriculum, specifically the unit on storytelling. The project
extends and gives purpose to the performance objectives in the curriculum.
Because of the nature of live performance, any performance-based unit can
be adapted into a service-learning project by addressing a needy
population. This particular service project is based on a partnership
that was developed by the teacher and the Education Coordinator from
Headstart. Although the initial project was teacher designed, the
students may develop further projects that promote literacy. One event
per term is ideal, although the project can be considered complete after
the storytelling.
Preparation: In order to prepare completely, lessons
include the role of theater in society, an introduction to
service-learning, and a study of the Headstart population. The Headstart
staff can train the students and assist them with the planning of the
event. Stories are then transformed into story maps and analyzed for plot
structure. Tapes and performances of storytellers provide a model for
student performances. Stories are rehearsed and showcased for evaluation.
After students are selected to perform, age-appropriate games that
reinforce the stories are created from poster board and markers. Groups
of students are then assigned to a Headstart Center so that the ratio of
middle school students to Headstart children is one to one.
Action:Students travel to Headstart to perform their stories, share the games and
have lunch with the children. There is also free play after lunch so that
the middle school students can interact with the Headstart children one on
one. Other events have included hosting the Headstart children at our
school and performing plays about letters and numbers, an Easter Egg Hunt,
and a field day as a celebration near the end of the year.
Reflection:Students participate in reflection on a daily basis through discussion, writing and drawing.
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