Tableau for Newcomer English Learners

Tableau for Newcomer English Learners

Tableau gets its name from the French term, “Tableau Vivant, or ”Living Picture.” The Tableau strategy supports English learners’ language and concept development through multiple modes of communication. Learners at any level of language developmentcollaborate verbally and nonverbally to create a “picture” to communicate a concept, term, or idea using their bodies and sometimes a few props. Take photos of these pictures to help learners remember and review the concepts.

1. Prompt

After learning a concept or idea, or reading fiction or nonfiction, help students convey key meanings by creating Tableau. Show them examples of Tableau and set parameters, for example:“Students may use two props, two signs or two movements, if they like.”

2. Brainstorm

Assign a topic/concept/idea to each pair or trio. Different groups might each present an element of the concept. You might assign a variety of topics related to a concept, or give one just one concept to the whole class. Give students time to brainstorm ideas for their Tableau and a template for notes and planning.

3. Plan and rehearse.

Encourage learners to draw their plan for the Tableau, and to discuss and revise it as needed. Then provide time to rehearse their Tableau.

3. Present

Students present their final freeze-frame product (or, if there is movement, their “GIF”) to the entire class. Record the tableau with pictures or video. After presentations, students might like to vote on the presentation that best captured the concept, and/or present their Tableau to other audiences.

When to Use

Tableau can be used to help reinforce new concepts, to check understanding, to see if students can apply learned content in new ways. Provide additional scaffolding for groups who do not show understanding of the concept and additional challenges for students who do. This activity usually works best near the end of a unit.

Variations

“What is this?”Tableau

Students keep their Tableau topics secret and others guess the concept when they present.

A Series of Tableau

Students create a series of Tableaus (e.g., sequence map of a story or scientific process) with short narration or dialogue that links link the tableau.

Tableau With a Narration

After students "freeze" into their Tableau, teacher taps a student in the Tableau on the shoulder and the student makes a short statement about their character in the Tableau. Scaffold as needed with questions and prompts.

Tableau Interview

After the students "freeze" into their Tableau, the teacher or a student acts as a reporter to conducts interviews with individuals acting in the Tableau.

Tableau Template

Names: ______Date: ______

Your group will create a Tableau to explain ______. Use your bodies and facial expressions to communicate this concept. You may also use up to two props, two hand-made signs, and two movements.

Brainstorm ideas for your tableau:

• ______
• ______
• ______

Make a sketch of your Tableau:

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TableauMary Lou McCloskey