I. Curricular Framework

Concept:

Timelessness

Essential Question:

How does a piece of Literature, a composition or a piece of art become a “Classic”?

Bridge:

Universality in the Arts

Content:

Qualities of a Classic

Outcomes:

II. Standards Aligned

III. Instruction and Assessment

1. Connect: Connecting to the Concept Experientially

Objective: To engage students in a discussion of what makes something classic.

Activity: Discuss how you would feel if someone said one of the following about you: 1) "S/he made an absolutely classic shot (basketball)," or 2) "Her/His outfit at the party was a classic," or 3) "If s/he's planning the prom decorations, you can count on it being a classic job".

Assessment: The quality of the discussion.

2. Attend: Attending to the Connection

Objective: To create an experience engaging students in characteristics of a classic and to list common etc. To list common characteristics of all movie clips.

Activity: Show a 10-minute teacher-made video consisting of clips from famous scenes in famous movies. Teacher asks students to list common characteristics of all movie clips. Teacher writes on board. Terms such as "universality" and "timelessness" will emerge.

Assessment: Students' engagement and attention in watching video. Student contribution to list.

Assessment, Phase One, Level of Engagement, Fascination:

3. Image: Creating a Mental Picture

Objective: To examine classics from another medium.

Activity: The art teacher or music teacher or English teacher presents classic art or music and discusses characteristics such as "universality" and "timelessness."

Assessment: Involvement of students in presentation. Quality of personal responses.

Assessment, Phase Two, Seeing the Big Picture:

4. Inform: Receiving Facts & Knowledge

Objective: To learn the facts of what is a classic and read The Scarlet Letter.

Activity: Teacher lecture on what is a "classic." Filmstrip on "classics." Students read The Scarlet Letter.

Assessment: Student note taking and teacher checking for understanding through class discussion.

Assessment, Phase Three, Success with Acquiring Knowledge:

5. Practice: Developing Skills

Objective: To practice givens.

Activity: 1) Study questions, 2) Objective test over The Scarlet Letter and characteristics of a "classic."

Assessment: Quality of work.

Assessment, Phase Four, Success with Acquiring Skills:

6. Extend: Extending Learning to the Outside World

Objective: To apply characteristics of a classic.

Activity: Students work in pairs and write and illustrate a book designed for primary-aged children in grades 1-3. The story must contain the elements which comprise a "classic."

Assessment: Students preparations and effort.

7. Refine: Refining the Extension

Objective: To refine their books.

Activity: Teacher grades books and makes sure vocabulary and plot is suitable for children. Students write final book.

Assessment: Quality of books.

8. Perform: Creative Manifestation of Material Learned

Objective: To share the joy of creating.

Activity: Students walk to nearby elementary school and read their books aloud to classes.

Assessment: Participation of each.

Assessment, Phase Five,Performance, Creative Use of Material Learned: