Duffy Theatre 2012 – Notes for Teachers
Kia Ora Koutou Nga Kaiako,
Thanks for your feedback on last year’s show Duffy’s Book Bus Adventure which promoted the use of your local library as a support to growing kids’ love of reading.
This year’s Duffy Theatre show Duffy and the Best Book in the World is coming to your school to promote the Duffy Books in Homes message “It’s cool to read and it’s cool to achieve”.
Studies show that being read-to is a key factor in children developing a love of reading. This year we are capitalising on resources right there in our audience; big brothers and sisters are encouraged to read to their younger siblings and the younger ones are encouraged to ask older siblings to read to them. Pairing up our readers we hope to double the reading hit rate; reading and being read to.
Duffy and the Best Book in the World also encourages our audience to talk together about the books they’ve read and their experiences of reading.
In the show Duffy meets Marvel,“The Best Book in the World”. Marvel is an old and much-loved book that has passed through many hands. What makes Marvel “The Best Book in the World”? The show takes us on a journey back through Marvel’s shelf life to meet some of Marvel’s past readers and find out how Marvel touched their lives.
But what about Scruffy? Duffy’s younger sibling keeps interrupting the show, wanting to play. Duffy just wants to read. We find out what will make Marvel “The Best Book in the World” for Duffy…and Scruffy.
I hope you and your tamariki enjoy Duffy and the Best Book in the World.
Once again if you have ideas, feedback or suggestions regarding the script and teachers notes, or you’d like to let me know what works well for you and your tamariki, then please get in touch with me via Duffy Books in Homes at
Whaowhia te kete matauranga.
Warmest regards,
Cathryn Monro
(Scriptwriter)
Introduction to Teacher Notes
We know that the kids love the audience participation in our Duffy shows and this encourages them to engage with the message that “It’s cool to read and it’s cool to achieve.”
The Teachers Notes will take you through what you can do to prepare your tamariki for involvement in this year’s show, both thinking about stuff that the show will reinforce and this year we’re going to include them as actual props in the show.
Below I have offered some games and ideas to help with this.
This year’s show Duffy and the Best Book in the World introduces the idea that books can be many different things to many people. In Duffy and the Best Book in the World we meet a book that is;
1-a gift that can be opened again and again
2-good company, like a friend that can go everywhere with you
3-a good advisor to take on an adventure, especially when things get tricky
4-an introduction to new places, ideas, people and things.
5-time out, a safe place to escape to on your own
6-a great thing to share and a way to be together
Thinking about it
Discussion 1
What is a good book? Have the children discuss and reflect. You may choose to do this in small or large groups. Choose whatever suits you and your class so that the ideas can be heard and shared.
Discussion 2
The Duffy song says; “Duffy kids can read around the world”. What does that mean to you?
Discussion 3
Words are all around us as we move through the world. How many things can you list that people read to help them get along in the world?
Consider
This year’s show is called Duffy and the Best Book in the World. What would be the best book in the world to you?
If you were going to choose the best book in the world for someone in your family what would it be? What content would it have? What physical qualities would it have?
Getting involved
In Duffy and the Best Book in the World the audience will be asked to become props and elements in the show. The following exercises will help warm the audience up to their contribution.
Game 1
Object Freeze
Have the children walk around the room, using their peripheral vision to make space and go around each other. When you say, “Freeze!” they must freeze instantly until you tell them to walk on.
-Try it faster, and faster.
-Try adding in an object, e.g. “Toaster. Freeze!” “Sunglasses. Freeze!” etc.
-Now try working in groups, e.g. “Pairs. Motorbike. Freeze!” “Groups of four. Roller blades. Freeze!” etc.
-Now add in movement, e.g. “Groups of three. An ice block on a stick. Melting. Freeze!” etc.
-Now add in sound, e.g. “Groups of five. Popcorn. Popping in a microwave. Freeze!”
NOTE: the trick to the success of this exercise is no talking. i.e. no negotiation about what they are going to do, just doing it and adding on to each others offers.
Game 2
Bringing the story to life in the moment
Recounting a story that the kids are familiar with (e.g. Maui and the Sun, Goldilocks and the Three Bears) have the kids become the objects as well as the characters in the story. Each time you mention an item in the story (steaming bowl of porridge, table, chairs, long curly gold hair, hard, medium soft and small just right beds, big puffy duvet, window, footsteps coming up the stairs, etc.). The class can build the picture on the spot working in groups to become the set, props and sound track.
Game 3
Bringing the story to life – extension
In groups practise narrating and enacting your own story to show each other. This requires cooperation, collaboration, leadership and action! Practise saying yes to each others offers.
Preparation
In the show the actors need help from the audience. They will need a group of people to be;
-A door that can open and close
-A door bell that rings
-A shelf of books in a bookshop
-A bed
-A large puffy pillow
-Wrapping paper that rips
-Dangerous jagged rocks
-Huge waves
-A storm
Rehearse making these things with a group of people using your bodies. You may want to bring extra things, instruments and costumes to add to your offer.
Thanks for your time and enjoy the show!