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:
- How well you perform in a group
- 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?