Taking the Stage "It's Me!"

Taking the Stage “It’s Me!”

Description

Students practice taking center stage and are introduced to or practice the basics of blocking. They also practice taking turns, self-control, and self-expression.

Directions

Students sit as an audience as you give instructions.
Model the activity with the Classroom Teacher and Paraprofessional first.
An X represents center stage. A 12-inch starting line is taped upstage left and right (this can be approximated in a classroom with an open area).
Two groups line up behind the two taped lines.
On “cue,” the student on one side (can be upstage left or right) runs to the X and stops on it. Then they go to the back of the line that they were on.
The student on the other side then goes, and so on.
It can be done as quickly as they can or slowly.
For the first round, students just stop on the X.
In the second round, they stop and hold a pose for three seconds.
In the third round, they say, “It’s me!”
Additional rounds can be done. You can add specific text, poses, or entire lines. You can incorporate curriculum (say the name of a state, a vegetable, etc.).

Transition Into Activity

“When I ring the bowl…[give instructions].” Ring the bowl.

Transition Out of Activity

Ring the bowl to gain students’ attention. (This instruction is discussed early in the residency and used throughout the process.)

Classroom Arrangement

Large open area with taped lines and X’s; chairs or space devoted for the audience.

Supports/Adaptive Materials/Tools

Students can help with taping.
Depending on the number of students you have, all can go at once, or split them in half and have half watch as an audience.
Students can say or clap or stomp the 1,2,3 when students do the second round.
Paraprofessionals can join their students.
Pairs can go.
Students can stay where they are and everyone else can turn their focus to them.
Students can brainstorm what the fourth, fifth, etc. rounds could be.

Possible Roles for Classroom Professionals

Model the activity.
Help the students in line to wait for their turn and know when to go.
Encourage students’ participation and applaud their artistic choices.
Help those in the audience area to actively watch what their peers are doing and the choices they’re making.

Adjustments for Remote Instruction

Have all students turn off their cameras, and if using Zoom, change their setting to hide non-video participants. Then set an order for students to take center stage (camera on). In that order, have them turn on their camera. If needed, you or the Classroom Teacher can give them a cue.

First, students practice entering/exiting the video space from the side. Then from the top/bottom. Finally, have them enter the space, and then speak (mute/unmute).