Fairy Tale Unit

Today we looked at the common elements of fairy tales as we know them in North American popular culture.  They are usually set "once upon a time" and end "happily ever after".  The conflict tends to be between easily distinguishable 'good' and 'evil', with 'good' winning.  The protagonists tend to be princes and princesses, or, in traditional 'not-Disneyfied' tales, the third son in a family who sets off to seek his fortune or who may set off on the same task as his two elder brothers (who failed).  They may receive help from a 'fairy godmother' or from a 'strange old man in the forest'.  They may find or use magical elements like a ring or wand, encounter monsters, talking animals or trees, or even get three wishes!  No matter what the situation, we can rest assured that good is rewarded, evil is punished, and the survivors live happily ever after!

We are watching the movie Willow as an example of a hero quest with magical elements.

On Monday, we will begin the Fairy Tale Tic-Tac-Toe.    Have a great week-end!


Like the traditional tales?  Here's a site you may wish to explore!



P.S.  Wondering about those Dear Abby letters?  Don't worry--we'll be making use of those after March Break.  :)

In the meantime....Re-read Feb 7's post :)

Today we reviewed what we've been looking at in class Feb 14 - 17:  Greek Theatre, Aristotle's idea of the three unities, the famous tragedy of Oedipus Rex and the ancient Greek attitude towards arrogance/hubris.  It's been a simple look, but vital when you consider the influence that Greek studies has played in Western European culture--especially the arts.   I bet most of you have done really well on the quiz!

Time to loop back to where we had to leave off--the assignment that I planned to give to you on February 7.

In groups of five, you will be creating a mime to music.  We'll be using Carl Orff's Carmina Burana "O Fortuna".   You will open in tableau, mime a portion of the story into a new tableau, then mime another portion of the story into a new tableau, and continue that two more times to end in another tableau.  Notice that this means you will be creating something that honours the three unities!  No scene changes or flashbacks...

You get to pick your groups!  Due at the end of class, so you'll be working quickly!

Uh oh, my bus was cancelled today!

No panicking, please.  The review we would have had today will be tomorrow, right before the quiz.  I will also accept your 'Dear Abby' letters that were assigned on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

I was away on Wednesday, February 15, but the supply teacher gave you this assignment in Room 136, the computer lab:

"I. You are to work in pairs to look at Oedipus Rex  (google for a synopsis or summary)

a) Make a list of characters

b) Describe where is the play written (Note:  something was lost in translation--I meant "set", not written)

c)  Describe the main conflict

II. Individually, you are to choose a character and write a letter to “Dear Abby” (sort of a Dr. Phil advice person), and, ask for advice on one of the following topics…

a) I’ve learned that I am fated to do something….

b) I’ve discovered something terrible about my family…

c) I’ve done something wrong and I know I need to be punished…

Your letter should be approximately 200 words in length. Have fun! Be creative!! (alternatively, you could be totally serious – it’s your choice…)

Save your work and the class will continue this activity on Thursday."

Greek Theatre

We've had an interesting vacation from our classroom while it was being used for grad photos this past week.  Since we were in the library and computer lab, we took a look at Greek Theatre.

On Wednesday, February 22, we will have a quiz on Greek Theatre.  This is what you will need to know:

1.   Be able to lable a simple diagram of a Greek Theatre.  Know
      theatron, orchestra, skene, parados and proskenion

2.   Be able to match these terms to their definitions: 

       a) Thespis   b) chorus   c) patron/choregos  d) dithyramb  
       e) Dionysus  f) Sophocles   g) Oedipus Rex  h) deus ex   
       machina  i) Aristotle's three unities (know what each unity is--
       you may have to match each of the three separately) 
       j) hipokrit

3.  Are you able to write a three sentence summary of the story of
     Oedipus?  Talk about a reversal of fortune!  A great man 
      made low by his hubris....

Hope you have a great Family Day weekend!

Continuing with tableau.....

We know that a good tableau is more than just being 'frozen' in a specific moment of time.  We need to consider levels, focal point, action, facial expressions...and, now that we are communicating a story to our audiences, we also need to consider the best way to transition from 'frozen moment' to 'frozen moment'.

You have created tableau series to music in groups that I selected and have had the opportunity to learn from watching each other's work.  Now you are in groups that you have chosen with a wide-open task:  create a series of five tableau to a piece of music. 

NOTE:  because of volleyball, basketball, skiing, hockey, wrestling and cheerleading this week and next and also because "grad photos" is claiming class room next Tuesday-Thursday, we won't be together as a class until February 21.   I will be post-poning this assignment.

Tableau

Today's work with levels and freezing was excellent!  Looking forward to seeing what you put together as we continue with some tableaux series and experiment with transitions.

If you have been absent from class, make sure you have an admit when you return.  Don't forget to bring your gold letters back signed by your parents/guardian and your self.  :)