We got a great start to our 3 session class based on Fiddler on the Roof. We chose Fiddler, not only because it was set during the time frame that we are studying this year, but also because of its characters, themes and plot. There is a lot to draw out in this play - not only for our drama but for our literature class. So here is what we did for the first class.
First, I had the students give me a little feedback on what they thought about Fiddler on the Roof. Some had seen the movie, and some had been to the play earlier on in the year. Some enjoyed the humour
Our first exercise was to take the Wikipedia article here on Sholem Aleichem’s life and use this Venn diagram to compare his life to Fiddler on the Roof. I used this site to create the Venn diagram. They did this exercise in groups and then we came back and filled in our own Venn combining all of the answers (excuse my spelling ;).
After that, I talked a little about the thread that went through the play. The thread of Tradition! And how it was being challenged. I then asked the group to think of some traditions that were being challenged in today’s society. What things were being challenged from one generation to the next?
I gave them this table to fill out and then we came back together and filled in a group table.
The final exercise that I had our students do was a word cloud on the setting of Fiddler on the Roof. The students used markers and created their own word clouds. It was great to see all the varied responses to the setting. I should have had some word cloud examples for them from Wordle or a site like it to help inspire.
Before I even realized it the hour was over and it was time for the drama. Our drama teacher went through setting up the play. She gave historical background, what was happening in Russia at the time and other information that set the stage. The students then did a run through. The students are always so excited to see their parts
Another great afternoon spent l earning about literature and drama! Blessings, Natalie
