Selected Poems of Joy Harjo - Music Center

INQUIRE
What size is ideal for the current design that will both be large enough for audience to see from across the room, and is in a good size relationship with the
other puppets being planned for the show?
Remember that we will draw puppets that can move – not a still scene. If you have drawn a scene – think about what elements should be puppets and
imagine how their movement will help tell the story of that moment. For example, if the sun is rising, do you only draw the shape for that moment – or
could you draw a whole sun that can rise and then go into the sky fully formed?
CREATE & PERFORM – Becoming an Expert
Task: Students will make a shadow puppet that connects meaningfully to the poem.
Criteria
Students will be able to:
Incorporate shape, scale, silhouette, positive and negative space.
Firmly attach a control rod to the puppet.
Present a clear visual connection to the Found Poem.
Test “cut out” puppet on the screen to check effectiveness; refine if needed.
Demonstrate cooperative teamwork.
Instructions:
Review and revise puppet design. Think about using shape, scale, positive and negative space, movement and how your puppet image or “character”
represents something from the poem e.g., is it a star? Is it earth that transforms to people? Is it the singing wind? Or is it another distinct image that
represents the ideas in the poem?
o Draw image, or images, on tag board, incorporating the elements of shape, scale, silhouette, positive and negative space.
o Make a clear visual connection to some aspect of the Found Poem.
o Teachers give their ―okay‖ before final image is cut, in case scale adjustments are needed.
o Cut out puppet and test on screen; make additional cuts as needed.
o Add attachments for moving parts.
o Rig puppets for movement.
o Take turns testing the images on screen; make needed adjustments as needed.
o Repeat the process with additional puppets.
o Work cooperatively with team members throughout the process.
REFLECT - Making Connections
Do we have all the puppet images that we need to visually present our group’s Found Poem for the Shadow Puppet performance?
What does the image that you chose mean to you and why did you choose it? How did you show your ideas about the line of poetry through the puppet
design?
What discoveries did you make in the process of creating your puppet?
Music Center Anchor Work Model Curriculum Unit: Selected Poems of Joy Harjo.
©2011 Music Center: Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County. All Rights Reserved.
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