Good masters! sweet ladies!

Schiltz, L.A. (2007). Good maters, sweet ladies. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Characters of all traits and talents are sharing their tales. Written in short monologue and dialogues the reader is able to read or perform these stories. The stories are simple and short, however they provide an accurate description of the time.  Religious practices, food, and medicines discussed in the book enable readers to get a sense of the struggles and duties these character faced. Many characters speak in verse and music sheets accompany the songs included.

Suggested lesson plan

5th grade theatre 

Students will be assigned various roles. Students should begin simply by reading over their character’s dialogue. The teacher should have students read text slowly and serve as a guide for pronunciation. As students begin to feel more comfortable with their roles, they should be paired with another student to practice pacing and voice inflection.  Students should be advised to carefully consider the characterization and time-period of their character. Ultimately, students should perform for their partner using learned character development techniques. Students will provide written and verbal constructive feedback.

Materials needed:

Book - Good masters, sweet ladies

Scripts

Paper

Teacher selected roles

5^th grade- Theatre

(3) Creative expression/performance. The student applies design, directing, and theatre production concepts and skills. The student is expected to:

(A) define character, environment, action, and theme, using props, costumes, and visual elements;

 (C) plan brief dramatizations collaboratively; and

(D) interact cooperatively with others in brief dramatizations.

(4) Historical/cultural heritage. The student relates theatre to history, society, and culture. The student is expected to:

(A) relate theatre to life in particular times, places, and cultures; and

(B) analyze the role of live theatre, film, television, and electronic media in American society.

(5) Response/evaluation. The student responds to and evaluates theatre and theatrical performances. The student is expected to:

(A)  analyze and apply appropriate audience behavior at a variety of performances;

(B)  define visual, aural, oral, and kinetic aspects of informal play-making and formal theatre and describe these components in art, dance, and music;