Lesson Objective:
Students will demonstrate ability to collect key information about Greek theatre by reading through their textbook and sharing their gathered information with their peers as well as participating in a Greek theatre review game show.
Materials Needed:
Students text books, paper and pencils (if students don’t have them), white board and markers, table, game show questions (see attached)
Hook (5-8 min):
Have the posters of the amphitheaters hung up around the room, encourage/allow the students to walk around and look at them as they are entering. After everyone has had a chance to look take a moment to point out the different elements on different posters and anything that was added for “extra flair”.
Activity 1 Textbook Study (35-40 min):
Instructions – Have the class get into their groups that they were in for their posters, instruct them to bring a piece of paper, writing utensil, and their textbooks. Tell them that they will be assigned certain sections of the reading. Here are the steps they should take.
1. Read the whole section(s) together and personally take notes on what information you think is important. (You will need these to study)
a. Repeated from our lectures/discussion
b. Different or new from our lectures/discussion
2. As a group you need to discuss what you took note of to make sure that everyone is on the same page and got all the information that was needed from the text. You will be sharing your knowledge with your classmates so you must make sure that it is thorough.
Guided Practice – As they are working, monitor that everyone is on task and participating. Also make sure their group-work is just that GROUP work. Try and keep them on task and productive as this activity could take a long time if they are not working efficiently.
Activity 2 Classroom Share (30 min):
Instructions- You need to create new groups so that each group as a member from the original group 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Double up if that is a necessity. In your groups you are going to share the information that you pinpointed as important to the rest of the group. The rest of the group needs to make sure that they are taking notes on this information as we will be tested on it!
Guided Practice – Make sure that they are on task and taking notes as well as respecting their other classmates by listening to what they have to share. Try and keep them conscious of time and efficiency by giving them warnings to the end of class.
Conclusion (5 min): I encourage you to review your notes that you took today as well as the notes you took in the past lectures. We will be playing a game that will require this knowledge.
If Time…
Activity 3 Greek Theatre Game – Show (10-20 min):
Instruction: “Welcome to the Greek Thespian Game Show held in the beautiful city of Athens Greece, I’m your host and I will be asking you the big questions. This is how it will work. I will divide the class into two teams and for every question I have here on these cards I will call up two volunteers, one from each team. You will come to the front and kneel on either side of the piano bench or table. I will read the question out loud and if you know the answer you will smack your hand on the table. The first to smack their hand will get to answer. You CANNOT hit the table unless you know the answer, no stuttering while you think after hitting the table. If neither of you know the answer your team has 2 “phone and friend” opportunities to get help from your fellow teammates. Are we ready to play?? Here we go.”
Split the class in half and name the teams Ares and Athena. Write these on the board to keep score. Ask for volunteers, first to hands raised. Have them come up and read the first question. Continue with the game rules until all the questions have been asked. Encourage them to take note of the questions as they are important.
And the winner of the first annual Greek Thespian Game show is….
GAME SHOW QUESTIONS:
What is the name of the Greek God of wine, revelry, and theatre?
Dionysus
What were the submission requirements for the tragedy competitions?
3 Tragedies (Trilogy) and 1 Satyr play
Who is Plato?
Classical Greek philosopher
What are the dates we are using to define the Ancient Greek period?
508-322 B.C.
The Peloponnesian war between the Delian League (Athen and Allies) and who else?
Sparta
What is the name of the structure that was used as a temple, dedicated to Athena and since become a symbol for Greece?
The Parthenon
What was the main purpose for theatre productions?
Religious Worship
What was the space for the chorus called in an amphitheater?
Orchestra
Who inspired the name of this Thespian game show? What is he famous for?
Thespis; 1st Actor
Which Greek playwright attempted to refine civilization with his plays?
Sophocles
Who made contributions in costumes?
Choerilus
What was the purpose of satyr plays according to the text book?
Comic relief after tragedies
What was the instrument used in drama’s?
“flute” or aulos
What was the building called at the back of the orchestra?
Skene