This lesson introduces the world of drama in the form of examining the different aspects of a play. Students then create their own play using different props and backdrops.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the program, ask the students if they have ever attended a play. Have they ever been in a pageant or play?

We start the lesson by introducing pictures of animals for the students to identify. They are taught that this is an art form and then are told that these animal faces can be transformed into masks to wear.
Hands-on Activity - Students are given copies of the animal faces shown on the Learning Station. The teacher can decide to 'assign' which of the five animals to which student for variety, or students can make their own choices. After coloring the faces, they should be glued to craft sticks for the students to hold and eyeholes cut out. Divide the class into teams, depending on how many students there are, and guide them in role-playing as instructed by the narration on the Learning Station. There are a variety of backdrops to choose, and the teacher can help encourage the students to use their imagination.

"Javier's Adventure"
Touch-screen activity- This is the story of Javier, a young Spanish boy looking for adventure. Students listen to the story and, as it progresses, are asked to determine which backdrop shown would be the correct backdrop for each scene. The backdrops change as the student touches the Learning Station. Encourage the students to listen carefully as the directions and story facts are presented.
Hands-on Activity - After presenting the story, students color pictures the four backdrops and Javier. If time permits, help students put the different backdrops together as a booklet.
Optional - Instruct students to cut out the picture of Javier, similar to a paper doll. Attach the cutout to the book using a long ribbon or string. Students can then move the Javier cutout from page to page to tell their own stories.

"Lighting and Sound Effects"
Touch-Screen activity- This segment introduces sound effects and how they will enhance a play. A variety of sound effects are played as students guess what they represent.
Optional - other sound effects are often available on tape at libraries or music stores.

"Costumes"
Touch-screen activity- Different costumes are presented for the students to choose to 'dress' Javier. As each costume is chosen, the corresponding dialog is heard. Ask the students which costumes they like best. What other costumes would they like to see?

"Art"
This segment introduces different mediums of art, such as paintings, illustrations, cartoons, paintings and sculpture. As sculptures are presented, students have different ones to choose from to then try to 'recreate' using their own bodies. This serves as a good observation exercise as well as getting the little bodies up and around.

"Perform Your Own Drama"
Videotape activity - Students are once again shown the different backdrops used in the story of Javier. The teacher can assign the students parts to play from the story. The story can be replayed, using the rewind icon on the Learning Station toolbar, if desired. Some students may need to be 'assigned' their lines. Encourage creativity as students role-play the story of Javier. The backdrops are presented as icons. As one is chosen, it becomes full screen. As it is touched again, it returns to the icon screen and another choice can be made.
Optional - Class size will determine the length of time for role-playing. If time allows and the materials are available, encourage the students to use props and clothing items for their roles. The teacher can supply a variety of simple items to use and encourage the students to use their imagination to determine what can be used and how. Hats, brooms, a large box for the boat, fake mustache for Javier's father are just some options. Other characters and roles can be added to elaborate the story line, i.e., If you have a shawl, someone could be Javier's mother or another shopkeeper.

Before Students Go Home - Review
Review the meaning of play, backdrops and sound effects
Review the story of Javier as the students created in book form
Talk about how costumes and sound effects are used in plays

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Hand-outs of story of Javier - scissors and tape or stapler to create book (optional) ribbon to attach Javier cutout to book
Optional - variety of costumes, clothing or other props to role-play
Videotape