Let’s watch a few scenes from a 5th grade production of Esperanza Rising. In your journal, draw a large box on a page. On one side write GLOWS on the other GROWS. For the GLOWS section, write things that you like about what you’re viewing. It could be the acting, props, costumes, or anything else. Try to be specific- instead of “I like the props” write, “the vine looked real.”
For GROWS, write things you noticed could be better. If you have time, say how they could do it better. For example, “Mamá doesn’t look sad when she’s talking to Esperanza”.
This week we are going to watch another 5th-grade’s Esperanza Rising video. This time, instead of Glows and Grows, we will be focusing on Props. In your journal, please draw or write the props you see being used in this movie or important ones you think are missing.
Today we’re going to begin by doing some acting warm-ups:
1. Zip zap zop
We’re going to form a circle. The first person will say, “Zip!,” and “send” the word to someone on the other side of the circle by making eye contact and pointing to them. That person receives the “Zip!” and sends a “Zap!” to another person across the circle. That third person receives the “Zap!” and sends a “Zop!” to another player. The zip-zap-zop continues until someone misses their cue or “Zaps” when they were supposed to be “Zopping.”
This activity helps actors to pay attention and be ready for their lines.
2. Build-a-story
The build-a-story theater game helps build your listening skills and flex your creative muscle.
We’re going to stand in a circle. The first player begins by saying the first line of a story. The next player in the circle builds on the last line. We’ll go around in a circle until the story finishes.
3. Mirroring:
In Mirroring, you and a partner will face each other and try to move as if you’re looking into a mirror. One person starts as the leader, moving slowly and smoothly while the follower copies every move at the same time. The goal is to move so perfectly together that no one watching can tell who’s leading! After a minute, you’ll switch roles. Once you get good at it, you can try acting out everyday actions—like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast—while your partner mirrors you.
4. Mine! No, yours!
Pair up and grab a small toy. Choose one scenario:
1- One of you desperately wants the toy, while the other person wants to keep it. Try to convince them to give it away.
2- One of you can’t wait to get rid of the toy, while the other does not want it. Come up with creative reasons for why you have to give it away!
✊ Strike Signs for Esperanza Rising
For those of you who don’t currently have a prop you’re working on, we need lots of signs for the strike scenes in our Esperanza Rising production!
In the story, Esperanza learns about real struggles that Mexican and Filipino farmworkers faced in California during the 1930s. Many worked long hours for only 10 cents an hour and lived in camps with dirty water and poor housing. When they went on strike, they carried signs demanding justice.
Here are some examples of what you can write on your protest signs:
- “¡Huelga!” (Strike!)
- “We Want Better Wages!”
- “We Demand Fair Treatment!”
- “We Feed You — You Starve Us!”
- “No More Slavery in the Fields!”
- “Strike for Living Conditions!”
- “We Want Clean Camps and Decent Pay!”
- “10¢ an Hour Is Not Enough!”
Make your sign bold and powerful! Use strong colors, big letters, and simple words that clearly show how the workers felt.