4.2 Dramatisation

English first additional language

Grade 8

Celebrations

Module 17

Dramatisations

Activity 1:

To use features of spoken language to communicate

[lo 2.3]

For the next activity you will be working in a group. Your teacher will divide the class into groups. Each group will consist of boys and girls.

• Dramatize the following song-story, sung by Joni Mitchell. Your teacher will discuss the story with you. You have to use the exact lyrics of the song. You may, however, use your own props and action to liven up your group presentation of the song.

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

I remember Monday rising up to pack his lunch

We kissed goodbye saying

What a foolish girl was I

Saying, what a fool was she

Near the store where I go shopping

On display there was a golden watch chain

All that week it had me stopping

What a fool was she,

Almost Christmas, we were so poor

Where there was will

There were ways

I was sure

In the paper, written plain

I saw an ad, I caught a train

And sold my hair to buy the chain

What a fool was she

(and he says:)

I remember Monday rising with her hair

Reflected in my eyes

It caught the sun a million times

What a fool was he

In a window near the office was a comb

Of pearls and beads and tortoise

Oh, the devil’d come to court us

What a fool was he

Almost Christmas, we were so poor

Where there was will

There were ways

I was sure

In the pawnshop coming home

I stopped inquiring for a loan

And sold the watch to buy the comb

What a fool was he

Christmas came up cold and glum

There were no visions of sugar plums

There were no joyous carols sung

Oh, what fools were they

He sat glaring at her bob

As she lay weeping by a chain and fob

And sadly burned the yule log

And wise men lose their way

Wisemen lose their way

Merry Christmas Day

[words taken from website :

http://www.jonimitchell.com]

Your will be assessed on:

1. How well you perform in a group
2. The content and dramatization of the lyrics.

Tip: Read “ Gift of the Magi’ by O. Henry – a really beautiful story. The above poem is based on it.

Activity 2:

To read a text (fiction)read for information

[lo 3.1, 3.4.3]

• Imagine that your family is about to celebrate your grandfather’s eightieth birthday. Close relatives have been invited to a family feast. You are in charge of organizing the guests.

THERE are HOWEVER A few PROBLEMS !!!

Aunt Betty and Aunt Lynn have not spoken to each other for fifteen years. Your brother cannot stand the sight of his nephew whose father earns ten times more than his. Jean, your niece, is so shy that she never says a word. Uncle Don loves his own voice and hardly gives anyone the opportunity to speak.

• This is a recipe for family disaster – and all on beloved Grandfather’s most special of birthdays.
• The following articles might help solve your problems. (The 2 ^nd article is beneath the crossword puzzle).
• Warning: The article might contain unfamiliar words and ideas, therefore have a dictionary at hand.

Dinner Party Feng Shui

To host the perfect dinner party takes more than just fine food and good company. Whether you’re hoping to have a romantic dinner à deux, a harmonious family celebration or a jolly evening with friends, why not invite the subtle power of Feng Shui?