by Alex Taylor
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE:
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the essential elements of a pantomime by using the 5 elements in a guided drama get to know you activity.
NATIONAL / STATE STANDARDS:
Utah State Standard L1.T.P.4: Use body to communicate meaning through space, shape, energy, and gesture.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Table, magic box signs printed out, musical pantomime unit outline, ET the Mime video (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPMBV3rd_hI&t=227s) or any video showcasing pantomime work, pantomime activities (can be printed or written on notecards), and instrumental music playlist.
TEACHING PRESENTATION:
WARM UP/HOOK – “Magic Box” (10 minutes)
The teacher will start the beginning of class silent. A table can be placed in front of them if desired. Wait until the class is silent and begin presenting using the signs under supplement. Present each page one at a time. This activity requires students to use their body language to tell us what is coming out of the bag. Pass the bag in a circle to each student to have them pull an item of the bag. Have the other students try to guess what the student is pulling out of the bag. Continue this until every student has had an opportunity to participate. Remind the students that this activity should be done silently, which is customary for pantomime work.
STEP 1 - Transition: (2 minutes)
The teacher will end the activity by throwing the box into the air pretending that the box went millions of miles into the sky and is now plummeting down. The goal is to have fantastical exaggeration in trying to catch it before it hits the ground. Once you are ready for it to “land,” catch it in an exaggerated way. Break the silence by saying, “and that is how you do the f word.” Explain that the f word stands for fantastical exaggeration which we will go over in a moment.
STEP 2 - Instruction: (5 minutes)
Pass out the attached musical pantomime unit outline. Review the timeline of events associated with this unit. Explain that now as a group you will practice each of the five elements of pantomime.
STEP 3 - Guided Practice: (10 minutes)
Have students stand and space themselves throughout the classroom. Guide the group through each of the five elements of pantomime (movement, consistency, character, story/conflict, and fantastical exaggeration). Use the handout for definitions of the term to practice and reinforce their meaning. Use everyday activities as practical examples for each element that the students would feel comfortable demonstrating. Once all five have been completed, have students return to their seats in an exaggerated expression of their choice.
STEP 4 - Modeling: (6 minutes)
Share with the class the “ET the Mime” YouTube video (link listed under materials needed). Before they begin watching the video, invite students to watch for ways in which the actor uses each of the five elements of pantomime (movement, consistency, character, story/conflict, and fantastical exaggeration). Afterwards the teacher will lead the class in a discussion on what the students observe.
STEP 5 - Discussion: (2 minutes)
Once the video has ended, invite students to make specific observations on what they noticed the actor doing that exhibited one of the 5 areas of pantomime. If students don’t talk about all five areas, prompt them with questions that lead to analyzing the area not discussed.
STEP 5 - Transition: (2 minutes)
Have students stand up and stretch. Once finished, have a student pass out the Get To Know YOU handout while you explain what is about to happen.
STEP 6 - Individual Practice: (35 minutes)
Students will fill out the Get to Know You handout in preparation for an activity in which they will pantomime an activity or action that describes them or something they do often. Students will need a beginning, middle, and end to their storyline. Once their handout is filled out, students will go up to the front of the class to present their pantomime. students will be assessed on how well they use the five pantomime elements as discussed previously in class. After each student performs, ask students to guess what their activity is. Provide small coaching to help improve students’ pantomime technique. Continue this process of performance until all students have gone.
CLOSURE: REINFORCING THE LEARNING
Review each of the five elements of pantomime with what they are. Ask students what the importance of music is in storytelling. Have students turn in their Get To Know You activity sheet.
ASSESSMENT:
Students will be assessed on their completion of the get to know you activity and turning in the handout.
SUPPLEMENT:
Magic box posters, musical pantomime unit outline, and get to know you handout are listed on the next couple pages.