Teaching Materials

Objective: By the end of this unit, student will have learned to create a setting, character and dialogue. They will work in groups to create a script that is an alternative ending, additional scene, or adaptation of a scene from their play.

Week 1 (Classroom Teacher)
  • Introduce Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare, Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Our Town by Thorton Wilder, and Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Give synopsis of plays so students have an idea what they are about.
  • Handout and go over script writing assignment and rubric. Discuss and clarify any questions they may have.
  • Handout tutorial instructions for Ning.com. Explain how to sign up and join a group. Computer time can be scheduled during class if students do not have access to a computer at home.
  • H8.2 - Handout out Character Analysis Worksheet. Students should create one for each major character in their play. This will give them a better understanding of the characters both for acting and writing. (Due end of week 1)
  • Students should finish reading their chosen play by the end of the week and should start discussing ideas via the Ning with team members.
Week 2 (Media Specialist)
  • Introduce I-Search Method. Give students handout on explanation of steps for reference.
  • AASL 1.2.3 - Introduce the school's databases and variety of resources that are available to help with time period research. 
  • H1.1, AASL 1.1.9 - Work on researching information with group. Students should use Character Analysis as a jumping point for creating inquiry questions. They should also focus on what experience effected the playwright/characters. Media Specialist will look over lists as students work and give pointers if needed.
  • Students will watch sample video projects to inspire ideas for their final project. They should break into their groups and discuss elements/ideas that the saw and liked and would like to incorporate in . Summaries of ideas/discussion should be posted on the Ning
  • Students will  be given a handout for a script writing pathfinder that will contain good resources to consult while forming their scripts.
Week 3 (Classroom Teacher)
  • (Mini-lesson 1) Introduce and discuss how to create an original setting and characters. Students will create a setting/character together as a class, but will also be required to do one on their own. (Due end of Week 3)

     Students should explore books found on the pathfinder as well as the following sites:
  • (Mini-lesson 2) Introduce and discuss how to create good dialogue. Students will break into groups of two and work on a dialogue exercise together for the first hour of the class. Dialogue should be natural sounding and tell about the characters, their relationship, and setting. Assignment should be complete dialogue and should not contain any other directions. For the last thirty minutes, students will perform and critique skits. Assignment should be handed in at the end of class for additional feedback.

    Students should explore books found on the pathfinder as well as the following sites:
  • Students should be wrapping up ideas for script organizing them into an outline form. Writing will began the following week.
Week 4 (Classroom Teacher)
  • H6.1, AASL 2.1.6 - Students will have time to work on script with group in class. They should post any summaries on the Ning
  • Students should turn in rough draft at the end of the week. Teacher will add comment/pointers and return then the beginning of next week.
Week 5 and 6 (Classroom Teacher and Media Specialist)
  • Look over rough draft of script and make any revisions needed. Script should be ready for filming by next class period. Storyboards are not required, but recommended for best planning. (Extra Credit will be given to those that turn in a storyboard)

  • (Mini-lesson 3) Students will go to media center and get an introduction to flip-cams and editing software. Student will be able to do some practice shots and play with software. Once Media Specialist is satisfied that students know how to use equipment properly group may check out camera.

  • Students will start filming and editing. Each student should have a role in the production such as acting, filming, or props. Roles should be noted on script and in ending credits of film. Computer lab access for editing will be available as needed.

  • Students will upload project to YouTube and share films with class. Grades will be based on rubric handed out in Week 1.
After the project is complete, students will do peer reviews (including themselves) and overall reflection/evaluation of lesson.

Attachments (5)

  • I-search Method Steps.doc - on Nov 27, 2008 8:12 PM by Andrea Sowers (version 1)
    28k Download
  • Ning Tutorial.doc - on Nov 27, 2008 7:32 PM by Andrea Sowers (version 3 / earlier versions)
    230k Download
  • Rubric.xls - on Nov 28, 2008 1:56 PM by Andrea Sowers (version 7 / earlier versions)
    11k Download
  • Script Writing Assignment.doc - on Nov 27, 2008 9:07 PM by Andrea Sowers (version 9 / earlier versions)
    28k Download
  • Script Writing Pathfinder.doc - on Nov 27, 2008 7:55 PM by Andrea Sowers (version 1)
    31k Download