Picture This:

Yesterday we individually explored one part of the book, A Wrinkle in Time, through the visual art mediums of paper, pencils, markers and tissue paper.

Today, we explored some of the main events that took place in the story in small group work in drama. The students divided into groups of four (one group of three, as we had one absent student), to create "tableau pictures" of various events that took place in A Wrinkle in Time.

Each group was given two specific events to create and "rehearse," i.e. MRS. WHATSIT ARRIVES AT THE MURRAY'S, or THE FIRST TIME CALVIN, CHARLES WALLACE AND MEG "TESSER." The students were allowed to use their books to re-read each event. Then they had to decide how to express it through their bodies, and encapsulate the action into a still-life picture.

Each group came up with wonderful and unique interpretations of each event. In creating their "pictures," the students had to become quite specific in how they communicated what was going on. Putting the story into their bodies, the students were able to find new interpretations for what they read.

Because the Zelman Center was being used for a special rehearsal today, we held our drama class outside. It was so nice to enjoy the outdoors now that the weather is turning a bit towards fall. Being outside seemed to add to the freedom of movement the students needed for their tableau pictures.

Returning to our classroom, students took a few moments to look over their art work from yesterday. Lying their two pictures side-by-side gave students the opportunity to think about what their preferences were: color or black and white/muted...what kind of world they would prefer to live in, and what would life be like without color.

Our discussion turned to the differences in Camazotz and Ixchel, two of the planets visited by A Wrinkle in Time's main characters. Camazotz, controlled by IT, where no one thinks for themselves and everyone acts the same v. Ixchel, a peaceful planet, colored in only dark, muted colors, and yet a planet of light and freedom.

The students delved into a discussion about where they would prefer to live, the benefits and shortcomings of both and what life would be like to live in either world.

Tomorrow we will have our celebratory tea and conclude our discussions regarding A Wrinkle in Time.

Cheers,
Ms. Pitman