Drama Across the Curriculum: Lincoln Annex 5th Grade
Social Studies: Genocide
Social Studies: Genocide
WHY does genocide continue to happen if people know it is wrong?
WHY does genocide continue to happen if people know it is wrong?
How is FEAR used to manipulate?
How is FEAR used to manipulate?
Traditionally grounded in Holocaust Studies, this year's Drama Across the Curriculum residency focus was expanded to a wider exploration of historical and contemporary Genocide. The teacher and teaching artist collaborated to provide students with an in-depth investigation of the Holocaust and the Rwandan genocide. The classes listened to music, read poetry, analyzed images, and did close-reads of informational text. Each week, the teaching artist would share a short video, image, or quote to deepen students' understanding of this challenging topic and inspire ownership of their stories. Students then used in improvisation, writing prompts, and ensemble-based practices to develop their scripts. This process resulted in two dynamic plays: a two-part piece investigating the similarities and differences between the Holocaust and Rwandan genocide, and an allegory of genocide developed entirely by the students in order to investigate propaganda and the power of fear.
Traditionally grounded in Holocaust Studies, this year's Drama Across the Curriculum residency focus was expanded to a wider exploration of historical and contemporary Genocide. The teacher and teaching artist collaborated to provide students with an in-depth investigation of the Holocaust and the Rwandan genocide. The classes listened to music, read poetry, analyzed images, and did close-reads of informational text. Each week, the teaching artist would share a short video, image, or quote to deepen students' understanding of this challenging topic and inspire ownership of their stories. Students then used in improvisation, writing prompts, and ensemble-based practices to develop their scripts. This process resulted in two dynamic plays: a two-part piece investigating the similarities and differences between the Holocaust and Rwandan genocide, and an allegory of genocide developed entirely by the students in order to investigate propaganda and the power of fear.
This residency is funded by Bank of America.
January 2019 - April 2018
"I learned that lots of people got killed and families were separated and they never saw each other ever again."
"I learned that lots of people got killed and families were separated and they never saw each other ever again."
-- Joshua
-- Joshua
"Hitler used propaganda to persuade people to join him to kill the Jews."
"Hitler used propaganda to persuade people to join him to kill the Jews."
-- Katherine
-- Katherine
"The Holocaust happened through propaganda and lies. Years later, the same was happening in Africa by the Hutus."
"The Holocaust happened through propaganda and lies. Years later, the same was happening in Africa by the Hutus."
-- Jimy
-- Jimy
"We need to learn that life is not always so happy and jolly like it seems... that in other places, people are getting hurt."
"We need to learn that life is not always so happy and jolly like it seems... that in other places, people are getting hurt."
-- Oscar
-- Oscar
Genocides continue to happen because...
Genocides continue to happen because...
"...people are afraid to speak up because of fear and how it can manipulate them."
"...people are afraid to speak up because of fear and how it can manipulate them."
-- Sandybel
-- Sandybel
"...people can't find equality and peace."
"...people can't find equality and peace."
-- Aiden
-- Aiden
"...they want power and control.They let things like hatred and sorrow control them."
"...they want power and control.They let things like hatred and sorrow control them."
-- Rachel
-- Rachel
"Genocides continue to happen because people never learn.
"Genocides continue to happen because people never learn.
They deny things like this and,
They deny things like this and,
like fools,
like fools,
do it again."
do it again."
-- Kaya
-- Kaya
"This work went hand in hand with our curriculum. We were able to utilize the original plays in our everyday learning by comparing and contrasting the plays to the texts being studied."
"This work went hand in hand with our curriculum. We were able to utilize the original plays in our everyday learning by comparing and contrasting the plays to the texts being studied."
-- Kim Hagen, Educator
-- Kim Hagen, Educator
"This really touched my heart. It taught me to be grateful for what I have with my family."
"This really touched my heart. It taught me to be grateful for what I have with my family."
-- Unique
-- Unique
Kim Hagen, Educator
Kim Hagen, Educator
Laura Bozzone, Teaching Artist
Laura Bozzone, Teaching Artist
Kami Puente, Vice Principal
Kami Puente, Vice Principal
Michael Chiodo, Principal
Michael Chiodo, Principal
Photos by Brad Resnick Photography