CLOWN GAGS!

AND.. WE'RE BACK! Ms. Kobi joined us this week to help introduce a new mini-unit. Earlier this year, our 2^nd grade authors worked to create personal narratives –a true story in their life. Ms. Kobi heard about our narrative writing and thought it sounded awfully similar to the making of a clown gag! Ms. Kobi explained that a clown gag has a set up, build up, and blow off –just as a narrative would have a beginning, middle, and end.

 Our week kicked off on Tuesday by watching a video entitled Wally on the Run. In this clown gag, two clowns find that a reward will be given for returning a lost dog. They set off to catch him, though it doesn’t quite go as they planned. The students were rolling on the floor laughing over this silly clown gag! I’ve never heard so many belly laughs simultaneously. Once the giggling had subsided, we worked to identify the characters and setting of the story. The students were also asked to categorize the beginning, middle, and end of the gag.

Find the video at this link: Wally on the Run

Ms. Kobi then taught us our very own “Strongman” clown gag. The students were broken up into teams of five and were each assigned a character. They worked together to “mime” the gag. The “Strongman” began with two roustabouts lifting a hefty barbell into the center ring. Next, a famous strongman came to show off his/her muscles and struggled to pick up the heavy barbell. Finally, two young children came across the barbell, lifted it up effortlessly, and skipped away as the strongman fumed and chased after them. The students practiced in their groups, getting the opportunity to play each part. Toward the end of our time together, students performed for one another.

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On Wednesday, our classroom received quite the surprise! Ms. Kobi stopped in and surprised us by dressing as a clown. The students were in awe of how different she looked. They each had the opportunity to touch her clown nose and make up. It was a great afternoon and helped us to understand that clowns are really just people.

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On Thursday, excitement was at an all time high. Our 2^nd graders couldn’t wait to begin acting in their clown gag. This time we added a twist. The students were introduced to a new character in their story – the ringmaster. It was helpful to have a discussion on how the ringmaster helps to better define our setting.

The students were also introduced to the idea of including dialogue in their story. They were given a graphic organizer of the “Strongman” narrative with spaces for each student to write their dialogue. I was so proud of the teamwork that occurred here, as students brainstormed and asked for feedback from their classmates! They continued to work together to practice their new clown gag with the added dialogue and performed for the class.

It was an exciting week learning about different literary elements! The students had such a great time acting as part of their own clown gag, and I was so impressed by the creativity that I saw!

Our adventures will continue next week, as students will be responsible for writing their own narrative clown gag!