ACTIVITIES
These activities which address Theater, History, Social Studies, Geography, and English Language Arts teaching and learning goals can be used before and after the performance.
If you would prefer a downloadable, printable Study Guide which includes the activities, click here.
Choose an activity:
For Further Reading - WWII Specialist Dr. David Grier wrote an introduction to the published memoir which briefly describes the course of WWII after the United States entered in 1942, placing Lt. Ponder's involvement in geographic and strategic context.
If you would prefer a downloadable, printable Study Guide which includes the activities, click here.
Choose an activity:
For Further Reading - WWII Specialist Dr. David Grier wrote an introduction to the published memoir which briefly describes the course of WWII after the United States entered in 1942, placing Lt. Ponder's involvement in geographic and strategic context.
PLANES AND TRAINS
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Lt. Herschel Ponder was a fighter pilot during World War II. He primarily flew P-47 Thunderbolts, though he did train on other types of planes. Rail transportation was very common during the war, not only for troops traveling between bases, but also as a way to move supplies, including ammunition, to the front lines.
INVESTIGATE Research one of the planes or trains with which Herschel Ponder interacted during WWII or choose another plane or train that shaped history during WWII. Find images, videos, or audio files that support your research. EXPLAIN Using VoiceThread or Prezi, create a presentation that illuminates the usage and significance of the plane or train during WWII. Did it exist prior to the war? If so, in what form? Does it still exist today? Is it still in use? SHARE Present your research to the class. Be prepared to listen to feedback from your classmates - and be ready to provide your own during their presentations! Back to the top |
PLACES AND BASES
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DISCOVER
Using the interactive map, find the following places:
RESEARCH
Research one of the places or bases where Lt. Ponder visited or was stationed. What changes did WWII bring to the city or town? How was the area used during WWII? How has the area changed since Lt. Ponder was there in 1942-45? CREATE Using VoiceThread or Prezi, choose 5 pictures or documents that support your research to upload into a slideshow. Narrate the slideshow to share your information. Post for comments from your classmates! Back to the top |
STORIES AND GLORIES
Lt. Herschel Ponder wrote his memoir 40 years after the end of WWII in part to tell his story for his children - to communicate across generations. He also found that writing the memoir helped him remember and process his experiences, as well as provide a touchstone for others who had lived through similar events.
WRITE Think of a story, an event, or a relationship in your life that has personal significance. It can be meaningful and serious or playful and funny - but it should be something that you are willing to share with the rest of the class! Jot down an outline for your story, making sure that you have included a beginning, a middle, and an end. EVALUATE How would you like to share your story? Do you need to add narration, images, or a musical underscore? Choose a tool that fits your style, but also presents your story in a clear and understandable manner. Some suggested tools are:
Another option is to establish a classroom site on Soundcloud or PodOmatic. You can record your story as an audio file and share it as a podcast. PRESENT Share your story with your class. If you'd like, post it for others, too. Back to the top |
VOICES AND CHOICES
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In Reader's Theater, with its focus on the written word and presence of scripts, actors rely on their voices even more than in other theatrical forms - but they still use facial expressions and body language, even if they are seated, to complete the performance. Reading with expression (one of the key elements of fluency) is vitally important!
IDENTIFY Explore the basic elements of music as they are expressed vocally: pitch (high/low), tempo (fast/slow), dynamics (loud/soft), staccato (sharp, separated sounds), legato (smooth, connected sounds), texture (rough, smooth, squawky, lilting) and pauses, the strategic use of silence. EXPERIMENT Watch the two vocal exercise videos from the National Theatre's Youtube page posted at left. Then, stand up, loosen your body, and work through the exercises with the actors in the videos. PERFORM Read excerpts from the script or from another literary non-fiction passage chosen by your teacher. Explore creating facial expressions and meaningful body language in support of your vocal choices. Then, it's time for an encore! Perform the piece again! CRITIQUE Provide constructive feedback for your classmates after their performance. Back to the top |