Lesson plan: The Rez Sisters


Lesson plan taken from: http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/bpractic/bpractic.pdf

The Rez Sisters, A Play By Tomson Highway

Submitted By
Liz Pope, Adult Educator, Hay River CLC, Aurora College

How It Works

The Rez Sisters assignment involves:

  • Reading the play
  • Creating a set
  • Choosing/creating props and costumes
  • Performance
  • Self-evaluation

Best Practices Supported

  • Instruction
  • Learning Materials
  • Learner Assessment
  • Community

What You Need

  • Copies of the play
  • Self-evaluation form
  • Assignment hand-out

Depending on the ALBE levels of the learners, the reading of the play could be on an independent basis, a group effort, or a combination of both. Once the learners have read the play, they will receive a handout indicating the nature of the assignment. They then select the portion of the play to perform, learn their lines, choose/create props and costumes, and finally perform the play for a community group.

The activity includes drama, drama terminology, memorizing lines, and reading. There are opportunities for the learners to develop time management skills, to participate in self-directed learning, and engage in personal growth. As well, depending on the diversity and needs of the group, the activity can be modified to fit the needs of the learners.

The ‘Rez Sisters' assignment involved the learners reading the play, creating a set, choosing/creating props and costumes, and then doing a performance. This activity was followed by the learners filling out a self evaluation form on their participation in the project.

stage photo of UBC's production of The Rez Sisters

UBC's production of The Rez Sisters

Lesson Plan

  1. Read the play.
  2. Form groups of 3-5 people.
  3. Your assignment is to present a portion of the play.
    1. Choose your parts.
    2. Create the set.
    3. Choose your props and costumes.
    4. Presentation on ________________________.

Note: You will be completing a self-evaluation of your participation in this activity.

Self-Evaluation

Respond to the following statements. Circle the number that describes how you feel:

1  strongly disagree      2  disagree      3  neutral      4  agree      5  strongly agree

  1. I met with my classmates to discuss the assignment and plan the performance: 1  2  3  4  5
  2. I helped plan and prepare the set, props and costumes: 1  2  3  4  5
  3. I knew my lines: 1 2 3 4 5
  4. My group planned our performance together: 1  2  3  4  5

Comments:

  • The best thing about this activity is:
  • The most challenging part of this activity is:
  • 5 words to describe this activity are:

“The Rez Sisters” ran at UBC's Frederic Wood Theatre November 7—24, 2007 and at Prince George's Theatre North West November 13— 24, 2007

Discussion questions for Advanced / Provincial learners:

  1. In what ways does this play refute First Nations' cultural stereotypes? Does it perpetuate some stereotypes? Explain.
  2. What motivates the “sisters” to go to “the biggest bingo in the world?” Why do they regard bingo as a solution to their problems?
  3. Who is Nanabush? What role does he play in the story?
  4. Are there any commonalities between characters in the play and people you know? Give examples and explain.

Editor's note: Members of the ABEABC executive suggested that we include a lesson plan in each issue of Groundwork. This is the first installment. For a selection of English lesson plans for various levels, please also see: http://www.macmillanenglish.com/straightforward/worksheets.htm

Groundwork welcomes original course outlines from members for publication. Please submit to: ruth.vandenbor@ucfv.ca.