UNIT SUMMARY
Unit Title: Chinese Shadow Puppets
Author: Marion Campbell, Orwell Village and Shrewsbury Mountain Schools
Unit Overview
Chinese Shadow Puppetry is an ancient art form. It hs flourished
because it has a simple format-
a portable screen and light source-and has been accessible to large
numbers of people. It is a unique
expression which gives insights in to the stories and traditions of
Chinese culture. This unit is interactive
and experiential. Its focus is to have students learn about aspects
of Chinese culture by performing a
shadow puppet play. The lessons include an introduction, an exploration
of Chinese stories, making
Chinese shadow puppets, developing and rehearsing scripts and a culminating
performance. The goal of
this multi-disciplinary approach is to have students develop new knowledge
and an appreciation of the culture
of China by participating in the magic and process of this performing
art.
Time to Complete Unit: 10 instructional hours
Essential Question
What can we learn about China by participating in a shadow puppet performance?
Culminating Task
The culminating activity of this unit is a Chinese Shadow Puppet Performance.
Students will integrate the skills,
knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture learned in this unit
in this performance. They will use an oral
storytelling tradition to tell their stories. Students must know
their stories, be able to manipulate the puppets which
they deigned, and participate with their peers in a traditional Shadow
Puppet play. There will also be an opportunity
to talk with the audience following the performance for feedback and
an exchange of information and ideas.
Vital Results:
1.16 Artistic Dimensions - Students use a variety of forms,
such as music, theater and visual
arts, to create projects
that are appropriate in terms of the following dimensions:
Skill Development
Reflections and Critique
Making Connections
Approach to Work
4.3 Human Diversity- Cultural Expression- Students
demonstrate understanding of the
cultural expressions
that are characteristic of particular groups.
Field Of Knowledge
5.24 Artistic Problem Solving - Students solve visual, spatial,
kinesthetic, aural, and other
problems in the arts.
Learning Opportunities:
Multiple Student Roles
a. Collaboration in both small and large groups.
Interdisciplinary Connections
b. Application of skills learned in one discipline
to other disciplines
| Guided discussion or a quiz.
Standard: 4.3 Assesment Tool: Rubric |
1 .Introduction to Chinese Shadow Puppetry
2. Read Chinese Stories 3. Choose stories to peform 4. Select story character to make into a shadow puppet 5. Initial role-play |
| Shadow Puppet
Standard: 1.16, 4.3, 5.24 Assessment Tool: Checklist |
1. Make a pattern for a shadow puppet
2. Create, color and assemble shadow puppet. |
| Storyboard and Script
Standard: 1.16, 4.3, 5.24 Assessment Tool: Observation Sheet |
1. Learn to use storyboard
2. Write a puppet play script |
| Shadow Puppet Performance & Audience Sharing
Standard: 1.16, 4.3, 5.24 Assessment Tool: Rehearsal Performance Checklist Culminating Task Rubric |
1. Practice manipulating puppets
2. Learn lines 3. Rehease play 4. Become familiar working behind the screen. 5. Learn to project voice 6. Incorporate music, props and scenery into performance. 7. Final performance. |
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Center for Puppetry Arts (Exhibit catalogue), Puppetry of China, Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, 1984
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Tse-Juang, dirs.
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Davol, Marguerite, The Paper Dragon, Atheneum Books, 1997
"In Shadow," (video) 25 mins., In Shadow Puppet Theater, 1997. Available through Marion Campbell, 36 West Rd., N. Chittenden, VT 05763
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(author unknown), The Lost Horse, Silver Whistle, a division of Harcourt, Brace & Co., New York, 1998.
(author unknown), and Hilary Beckett, The Rooster's Horns: A Chinese Puppet Play to Make & Perform, Collins & World, 1978