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  • 1.  Functional Theatre Class

    Posted 08-02-2017 17:12
    <g class="gr_ gr_5 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="5" data-gr-id="5">Hello</g> everyone!

    Next year I will be teaching a Theatre Arts I class for the functional students in our exceptional education department who are usually in self-contained classes for their other subjects. I'm really excited about this class and I think it's going to be a super rewarding experience; I've really enjoyed working with the higher functioning exceptional <g class="gr_ gr_302 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="302" data-gr-id="302">ed</g> students when they're in class with the general population, but I'm not sure how to start planning for the year. I'm not sure whether or not to keep the class the same as the other Theatre I classes, modifying as needed, but trying to keep the same pace or if I should start from scratch.

    Does anyone out there teach a similar class and can offer some advice? Even if you don't but have some ideas, I'm open to them!

    Thanks so much!

    -Will

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    William Healy
    Theatre Arts Teacher
    Henrico VA
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  • 2.  RE: Functional Theatre Class

    Posted 08-03-2017 13:52
    I always have students from our exceptional program in my theater arts classes. Most will be in theater arts one, but our local community theater specializes in working with students with special needs, so I get a good number of students who are experienced and easily move into theater arts two. What I have found is many of them make great students of theater. I have mostlly autistic students, so their inhibitions are lower and willingness to try is higher. What I have found that there are two keys to helping them out. First, find shorter material. It doesn't necessarily need to be easier, but anyting too long can be a struggle. Second, like with any student, help fill in any knoweldge gap in material they are performing. No actor should say something they don't understand, but just be there to help. Otherwise, let them jump right in. Theater is a vibrant and fun way to open up and learn about yourself, no matter what your level.

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    Mark Johnson
    Theatre Arts Teacher
    Troy, MI
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Functional Theatre Class

    Posted 08-04-2017 11:49
    My Theatre Department services Students with Disabilities as well. I try to make my activities as inclusive as possible. Speak to your school specialist to figure out what are the specific needs of the students you're working with and that will inform your work from there. I cannot speak to your population, but I one thing I would employ is creative story telling. When I taught Drama to a Self-Contained SpEd Class, I did a lot of activities in which I gave them prompts that they took and developed stories around. They then documented the stories and we developed them into performances. I also do barrier-free movement activities. I've taken basic movements that the students created and turned them into movement sequences, that evolved into dances. Readers Theatre is also highly effective with this population, and you can work with the students to develop Readers Theatre performances where they perform existing scripts, but even better when they create scripts themselves. I have worked with IDEAS in the past and they have a wealth of activities and insights that could really deepen your work. I would reach out to them. Basically, find out what your students respond to best, and use that to inform your work. The possibilities are endless. I've written a 2 part blog on working with diverse populations you might want to check out as well.

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    Hugh Fletcher
    Performing Arts Coordinator
    IS 229 Dr. Roland Patterson Middle School
    Roosevelt NY
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Functional Theatre Class

    Posted 08-05-2017 06:49
    What great fun you will have. I have Advance Theatre Classes, Theatre 1 classes and starting last year I now teach a Theatre class with students with multiple disabilities. They are self contained most of the day and are always very excited to attend my class. The 1st marking period we did lots of exeresizes  and games to get comfortable, review life skills that I discussed with their OT and PT that they are struggling with. Being able to act out/improv some stranger danger appropriate reactions, if you get lost or need help, etc. As we moved on to the other marking periods, we acted out poems, sang songs along with props and sometimes sign language. We presented at teachers meetings and luncheons.  Our final big project was producing and performing a  very short Wizard of Oz show and invited any students to come and watch.   It was voluntary. We had almost other student in the school attend.  We invited administration, parents. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. I had some of my Advanced students back in my classroom setting up a cast party for my actors and when the show was over the were surprised with wonderful treats.  It was an amazing year.  I recommend bringing your OT in the room for some rehearsals she helped us with some minor changes some of the students were able to be much more sucessful and then proud of themselves.  I am teaching this class again this year and will need to meet my students and build the program around the group. Best of luck.  This was my favorite and most rewarding class of the day/year!

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    Christine Dougherty
    Theatre Teacher/Director
    Delsea Regional School District
    Franklinville NJ
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    Original Message


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