Script Writing Continued

Today we continued script writing with our students at Williamston. We looked over all of their "idea" sheets that we had them turn into us last week and gave them more feedback such as:
-Scene 1 where are you/how did you get there
-Each character has a specific mood/emotion maybe? (it'd be easier to identify at the end)
-Make sure people can tell where you are/who are characters
-make it apparent: who you are with, what you are eating/supplies you have or don't have and how you are traveling
-Make sure you have a problem and a resolution
-avoid weapons and violence


We felt that going over these bullet points and discussing them with the students gave them a bit more direction and would lead to more realistically grounded skits. After having a discussion with the students we handed back their idea sheets and allowed them to work with their groups and begin writing out their skits.

As each group finished their 1-2 page skits we asked that they bring their draft to us for approval and then we allowed each group to pick from our "prop box." We both brought various things from home such as hats, sheets, bags, sunglasses, water bottles, masks, etc. and called it our "prop box." We then allowed each group to collaboratively choose 2 props to use in their performance. They seemed to be very excited about the addition of these props and we hoped that only by allowing each group to choose two, it would keep them engaged and excited and perhaps encourage new ideas without distracting them too much from their previous plan. It seemed to be very effective! I distinctly remember one group that was struggling to come up with more ideas for their skit came out and chose a sheet from our prop box and then one student said, "we could have our explorers make a tent for shelter on the island that they are stranded on!" It was very interesting to see the way these simple props sparked new ideas within our students.

Today was overall a great work day for our students.  They seemed so motivated, on-task, and extremely engaged with the script writing. Next week we will give them a bit more time to finish up their scripts, time to rehearse and then allow them to perform their skits for the class. I know the students, along with Jena and I, are very excited!