Voices from the Middle, Vol. 6, No. 2, December 1998

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Drama, Performance, Theater: Means of Further Inquiry

• Learning by Being: Drama as Total Immersion

  Jeffrey D. Wilhelm

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  Abstract: Argues that drama is one of the most powerful teaching strategies available in the classroom, in all subject areas. Notes reasons drama is not used much. Describes two drama activities used with seventh-grade students, and how they used it (with excitement) as a way of experiencing, thinking through and representing new understandings.

  Keywords: Literature, Reading, Middle

• Double-Dutch, Hopscotch, B-ball, and . . . Poetry!: Using Children’s Games to Create Performances of Rhythmic Poems

  Kate E. Gardoqui

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  Abstract: Describes how a seventh-grade teacher introduced her students to poetry by having them create performances of rhythmic poems. Describes how her students created moving performances of poems and responded to poetry with deeper and more personal insights than she had ever seen. Describes students' public poetry performances. Offers examples of students' poetry and a list of recommended resources.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Middle

• Performance Possibilities: Curating a Museum

  Julia B. Housum-Stevens

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  Abstract: Describes how a seventh-grade class created and presented their own museum as a special research project for an ancient cultures unit. Discusses how the class used drama strategies to frame issues and discussions, and used "processed drama" and "mantle of the expert drama" in extended ways to frame two months of inquiry and a final museum display.

  Keywords: Literacy, Pedagogy, Middle

• Doing Poetry

  Anne P. Anderson

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  Abstract: Describes how an eighth-grade language-arts teacher teaches poetry via performance. Describes how she introduces poetry, performance, and audience. Shows how students (even non-readers and non-achievers) quickly show great eagerness to do poetry with enthusiasm, excitement, and energy; and now perform locally. Includes a poetry portfolio outline and a list of suggested performance poems.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Writing, Middle

• What's Behind Door Number Three?

  Carol E. Schanche

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  Abstract: Describes how performing (of music, drama and other things from elementary school through college) has helped each of the author's three children (three very different people) along their respective paths, helping them to reach their goals and feed their souls. Argues that such programs in the schools are priceless.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary

• Message from the Editors

  Linda Rief and Maureen Barbieri

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  Abstract: This issue of Voices from the Middle presents a full range of possibilities and varied ways that drama, theater and performance provide students to communicate what they know and are able to do or imagine.

  Keywords: Middle

• Clip & File

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

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