4:30-5:40pm (70 minutes)
Lesson Objective: Lesson Objective: Educators will be able to present students with the core rudiments of opera and provide an overview of La Boheme (in chronological order and reverse). In addition, participants will receive information about the skill-building benefits of reverse narrative storytelling. Through pre-show and post-show learning activities, games, tips, and discussion, educators will receive useful information that should make preparing for the opera fun and engaging.
2
3 mins La Boheme’s Opera Background Origins, creators, opera style
3 mins La Boheme Storyline: Activity I (3) YouTube Videos
3 mins Reverse Narrative “Flipping the Script” in storytelling. How does reverse narrative serve La Boheme?
5 mins Activity: “I Believe” Reverse Narrative Worksheet A two part worksheet that shows pictures of a story out of sequence.
3 mins Activity: How Did You Get Here? (Part 1 & 2) Worksheet can be used as a verbal guide or written work depending on teacher’s preference.
7 mins Activity : Vocabulary Bingo
Overview of some opera terms and template for DIY La Boheme Bingo Game Cards.
5 mins Lesson Extenders- 1. The Voice Choice- Making operatic vocals relatable. 2. Musical Moments- explaining how music plays an important part in the storytelling.
4 mins La Boheme Woodwinds: YouTube Video 3:22
Visual Worksheet of core instruments played in La Boheme. (Template)
Viewing short videos
The educational benefits of thinking and recalling in reverse.
Explain the worksheet to educators.
Guided exercise to aid students with mental recall when dealing with reverse storytelling.
Overview of pertinent operatic terms.
Overview for Educators
A video tip. Helps identifying some of the different instruments
10 mins Activity : Main Characters | Match Game & Coloring Sheet
Worksheet 1-Match the character’s name to their description.
Worksheet 2-Main character coloring sheet
played in the opera. Basic intro of motifs.
2 Worksheet Templates
5 mins
Lesson Objective:
Activity 1: Now That I Know
Use “I Believe” statements to answer six post show questions.
5 mins Activity : Symbolism & Objects
Overview of the basic themes and symbolism in the opera.
Big Words for Knowledge – Additional terms that breakdown the symbolism and themes within the opera.
Worksheet- teachers can have students answer verbally or write down their responses.
The linear narrative of the opera starts “backwards” in that it begins in the winter and ends in the spring. Reversing the story sequence actually starts it in the spring- (new beginnings) and ends it in the winter –which is symbolically related to an end of life/dormancy
3 mins Activity Illustrate The Point Students will draw their favorite scene in La Boheme. They can write a paragraph about what is taking place below the picture or on a separate sheet. The drawings can be displayed in the classroom using a thematic display wall.
5 mins Re-cap of key lessons in Pre & Post Lessons
7 mins Questions
70 mins
Basic intro to the importance of stage design. Mention of Acts vs. Scenes.