Our third class was an eye-opening one for me. During this class, we looked at the story “Giraffes Can’t Dance”. Not only was this an inspiring story for kids who don’t think they can do a certain task or don’t think they have a certain skill, but it was such a rich experience for perspective taking!
With this story, one of the students in our class was asked to wear a giraffe mask and act out the part of Gerald the Giraffe. She had to dance in a clumsy fashion because the idea in the book was that Giraffes are too tall and lanky to dance. As a class, we were all asked to make fun of Gerald’s dancing abilities (to act out a part of the story).
A couple of things went on in this context that were rich drama experiences:
- The class took on the perspective of the other animals making fun of Gerald
- The student playing Gerald had the opportunity to take on the perspective of what it feels like to be made fun of, both in the scene, and later in our “Hot Seat” Activity – (one student takes on the perspective of a character, and answer’s the class’s questions from that perspective)
- With this activity, the class had the opportunity to understand the point of view of Gerald as well.
Through these activities, students have the opportunity to develop the Elements of Drama (The Arts Curriculum) of role/character, as they take on the perspectives of the characters in the book, and the relationships between characters, as they interact in their roles.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: The use of Masks (student wears a mask to take on the identity of the character) was essential in this activity. This was important so that when the other “animals” were making fun of Gerald, the student playing Gerald did not feel that the students were making fun of her, but rather the animals in the story were making fun of the character she was playing.
Masks are a powerful element in drama. I had the opportunity to wear a mask in class # 5. I found I was much more comfortable acting with a mask on as opposed to simply taking on a role without a costume of any kind. This was helpful because it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. It made me feel confident to go “all out” in the role and seemed to lessen the judgement I perceived from my peers.
Although I want my students to come to a point when they can confidently act out a role without fear, using a mask would be a great starting point for them. In a case of one character receiving negative responses from other characters, however, a mask is always suggested.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: The use of Masks (student wears a mask to take on the identity of the character) was essential in this activity. This was important so that when the other “animals” were making fun of Gerald, the student playing Gerald did not feel that the students were making fun of her, but rather the animals in the story were making fun of the character she was playing.
Masks are a powerful element in drama. I had the opportunity to wear a mask in class # 5. I found I was much more comfortable acting with a mask on as opposed to simply taking on a role without a costume of any kind. This was helpful because it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. It made me feel confident to go “all out” in the role and seemed to lessen the judgement I perceived from my peers.
Although I want my students to come to a point when they can confidently act out a role without fear, using a mask would be a great starting point for them. In a case of one character receiving negative responses from other characters, however, a mask is always suggested.