Remember September 11

(3-12)

Moving Forward (n40)

Subject

English, physical education, theater, movement

Objective

Building a "moving" memorial to 9/11

Time Needed

Materials

Lesson

Step 1: Discuss Basic machines—wheels, levers, gears etc. Compare machines with our bodies—arms, legs, heads, etc.

Step 2: Physical warm-up (5-7 minutes)
From a seated position (on a chair or floor) attend to your breathing (focus on the rhythm in and out)…Relax, let go of physical tensions as you breathe….slowly introduce isolated movements to rhythm…begin with moving only the head side to side then in circles…then move shoulders, arms, torso, hips, legs, feet one at a time. Explore limitations and extensions of movement of each part.

Step 3: Repeat this sequence from a standing position. Again breathe, move rhythmically and only one part at a time as led. Note the difference in limitations and extension of movements. Explore possibilities of movement from a lower level (level 1) to mid level(level 2) to high level (full extension upward level 3)

Step 4: Break into groups of 4 – 5 students. Assign levels of movement to students and assign a number 1-5 to each member of the group.

Step 5: Each “number 1” chooses a movement based on an isolation that he/she can repeat over and over for a few minutes. “Number 1” begins that movement.

Step 6: Numbers 2 through 5 choose movements based on levels that they can do while somehow rhythmically and cooperatively connecting to one or more members of the group….In effect, build a machine.

Step 7: Repeat the process a few times allowing someone else to be number 1. Encourage variety of movements…

Step 8: Try to build a “whole class machine”…..Break

NEXT CLASS OR AFTER BREAK

Step 1: Call class together to discuss memories of 9/11…brainstorm a list of words associated with the event ( bravery, fear, compassion, patriotism, etc.) Save that list. Ask each student to choose one word that they identify with the most.

Step 2: Repeat physical warm-up (briefly if after break only…take more time to focus if this is a later second class)

Step 3: Students create a movement that expresses or offers an interpretation of their chosen word.

Step 4: In same small groups (unless problems arose first time around, in which case this is the time to adjust groups) create machines based on these movements.

Step 5: Play music of your choosing. Have students create machines with musical background….If music isn't available, ask students to create sounds to express what they feel physically..they can simply repeat their word quietly, or a sound within the word.

Step 6: Create a “whole class moving memorial”…….

Step 7: Allow for comments/discussion re: the experience. Video tape the memorial if you can. Allow the students to see what they created.