“Westward Ho!” Lesson (Part 1)

“Westward Ho!” Lesson (Part 1): A Life Drama

Objective: students will explore the contrasts of life in the past to modern times.

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This Life Drama begins a series of three lessons with a common theme. The students create a fictional group of pioneers preparing for an arduous journey westward. Students work through an improvisational process where there is no pre-written story or pre-determined outcome. They apply the practice of "no denial of creation" by saying “yes” to what others create as a way to support the drama and honor the imaginations of their peers. You will be playing in role in this drama. Students will immerse themselves in the contrast of life in the past to modern times (part of the fourth grade objectives). This lesson is part of our recommended sequence in the Fourth Grade Curriculum.

Fourth Grade Drama Journal: "Westward Ho!" (Part 1)

To maximize student achievement, download this drama journal for students to use as reflection or formative assessment. For each lesson in the curriculum, we have created a corresponding journal page for your students. A drama journal allows participants to reflect on their learning and artistic growth (metacognition). It also allows you, the teacher, to see how students are using the drama vocabulary, thinking about big ideas, and perceiving their own strengths and weaknesses. If you use the journal for assessment and would like more assessment tools, visit our Fourth Grade Curriculum

Grade Level

CONCEPT/SKILL

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Concentration
  • Cooperation
  • Creativity
  • Improvisation
  • Listening
  • Movement
  • Problem Solving
  • Setting
  • Teamwork

INTEGRATION IDEAS

  • Communities
  • Geography
  • History Adaptation
  • Social Studies

ROOM SETUP

  • Open