Schooltime at Van Wezel

Learning Modules

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BILL BLAGG’S MAGIC IN MOTION

Students will explore the dance element Force and push – pull. Students will learn how balance and unbalanced forces affect the motion of an object. Students will create a short movement phrase demonstrating balanced and unbalanced forces.

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BILL BLAGG’S THE SCIENCE OF MAGIC

“Every time we teach a child something, we keep them from inventing it themselves. On the other hand, that which we allow them to discover for themselves will remain visible for the rest of their lives.” ~ Piaget (1955)

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BRER TIGER AND THE BIG WIND

Brer Tiger is selfish, keeping everything to himself and refusing to share the bounty of the forest with his fellow animals. Brer Rabbit whips up a Big Wind to teach him a lesson, causing Brer Tiger to change his stripes and learn to enjoy the blessings of generosity. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe puts its soulful musical stamp on this classic folktale as part of its Rhythm & Tales elementary school series. 

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CLICK, CLACK, MOO

“Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing!” Farmer Brown Cries.

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DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS – THE MUSICAL

How can students retell a story using the actor’s tools of Objective (What do you want?) and Tactics (How do you get it?) with “Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”

Dragons Love Tacos

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS

How do students discover details (small and big) that support Theme and Main idea? How do actors show main ideas through Tableau? How do actors use details to support main idea in a Tableau?

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FOUR SCORE AND SEVEN YEARS AGO

How can Graphic Novels tell us about historical events? How can primary source documents be used to create graphic novels?

Giggle Giggle Quack book cover

GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK

How can we use pantomime to demonstrate the concept of Beginning, Middle, and End?

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THE GRUFFALO

How do students recall details (small and big) in reading and illustrations? How do actors create characters using the technique of pantomime? How do actors use create animals using their bodies?

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In the year of the boar and jackie robinson

In 1947, the Year of the Boar, a young girl leaves China with her parents for a new beginning in America…But it’s harder than she expected.  Though her classmates in Brooklyn come from a variety of backgrounds, Shirley is the only one who doesn’t speak English, and she worries that she will never have a friend.

But through a new love of the Brooklyn Dodgers (especially her hero Jackie Robinson), Shirley begins to feel at home. 

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IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT

 It’s Okay to Be Different, based on Todd Parr’s children’s book of the same name, cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence

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THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS

Today we will become the planets of the Solar System so that we can build a strong understanding of the differences between each planet. I know I am successful when I read pages assigned to find evidence about the specific characteristics of my planet, create a character for my planet using my body, voice, imagination, and am able to answer basic questions in character about my planet.

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momix: alice

 

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pete’s big hollywood adventure

 

Pout Pout Fish book cover

THE POUT-POUT FISH

When Mr. Fish sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, he discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout.

Pout Pout Fish book cover

ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER & FRIENDS

 Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie’s gizmos would astound—if she ever let anyone see them.