Johnny Tremain - An Era Of Change - 5th Grade C.E.U.
Arts Integration!
We started this journey by reading the novel Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes. After digging into the setting, plot and themes of the story, it was time to bring it to life. First we had to do some research. Each pair or group of three chose a colonial trade to research and used the research to turn it into a skit. To bring in the historical aspect of the era, we also researched events of the time that would have had an effect on our businesses. We wrote reports, we composed scripts, we crated backdrops, we dressed in costumes, we acted out and filmed our skits, and we edited the videos using iMovie.
We started this journey by reading the novel Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes. After digging into the setting, plot and themes of the story, it was time to bring it to life. First we had to do some research. Each pair or group of three chose a colonial trade to research and used the research to turn it into a skit. To bring in the historical aspect of the era, we also researched events of the time that would have had an effect on our businesses. We wrote reports, we composed scripts, we crated backdrops, we dressed in costumes, we acted out and filmed our skits, and we edited the videos using iMovie.
Getting Familiar with the Vocabulary:
The terminology found in the Johnny Tremain novel is quite different from that in a novel set in the current times. Our first activity was to work to understand some of the advanced vocabulary we would read during the course of the novel.
The terminology found in the Johnny Tremain novel is quite different from that in a novel set in the current times. Our first activity was to work to understand some of the advanced vocabulary we would read during the course of the novel.
Let the Research Begin!
Once we got a few chapter into the novel, it was time to choose a colonial trade and begin our research.
Once we got a few chapter into the novel, it was time to choose a colonial trade and begin our research.
Novel-Reading Continues:
All the while, we had to continue reading the story of our friend, Johnny Tremain. In between research sessions, we would stop to discuss certain aspects of the novel.
All the while, we had to continue reading the story of our friend, Johnny Tremain. In between research sessions, we would stop to discuss certain aspects of the novel.
On to the Report:
Once we had gathered and cited our research, it was time to compose an effective report based upon our research.
Once we had gathered and cited our research, it was time to compose an effective report based upon our research.
Reports Lead to Scripts:
Once our reports were complete, we used the information in our reports to write a script that we would then act out on video.
Once our reports were complete, we used the information in our reports to write a script that we would then act out on video.
Preparing to Act:
In preparation for acting out our scripts, we had to consider an appropriate backdrop, props and costumes for our skits - then it was time to put it all together!
In preparation for acting out our scripts, we had to consider an appropriate backdrop, props and costumes for our skits - then it was time to put it all together!
Johnny Tremain Job Search - TAKE ONE!
We had a lot of fun acting out our scripts. We can't wait for you to see our skits, compiled into one full (and somewhat silly) video!
We had a lot of fun acting out our scripts. We can't wait for you to see our skits, compiled into one full (and somewhat silly) video!
Time to EDIT!
Once we had filmed our skits, it was back to the lab! We used iMovie to edit and embellish our videos.
Once we had filmed our skits, it was back to the lab! We used iMovie to edit and embellish our videos.
"Johnny Tremain is a wonderful CEU. It is very inspiring to read a well-written story and act out our own versions. In this CEU, we were able to do research, use iPhoto, use iMovie, create backdrops, and write our own part of the story by writing our skits based on the research reports. I think this CEU is a great way to end the school year" - Jensen T.