Tech’s innovative 9th grade English/Drama class studies language, literature and drama as a seamless whole, while giving students newfound confidence in their own abilities and talents. Amazingly, students who enter feeling completely unable to utter a word in front of the class develop into performers!
Ms. Howeth’s students wrote their reflections about their first semester in the English/Drama block. Read and be inspired:
On learning about being part of a group:
“Being in this drama class has taught me how to work with a group. I grew up an only child and although it may seem like that wouldn’t affect you socially, it really made me spoiled and hard to work with people because I’m so used to getting everything I want. Drama is helping me become a better person in that sense because working with others is a fundamental part of life. Drama is helping me open up to an audience and not be so nervous about being put on the spot.”
“I love my classmates! I made so many great bonds, which gives me a head start in high school.”
“I learned about being a leader and encouraging others to participate. I also learned that I really like acting.”
“I was never that into working with groups since I usually do a lot of the work but I trust my group here and they came through.”
“I never actually talked to some students, nor could I tolerate their random moments. But in the end, they actually memorized their lines and pulled it together. It [the showcase performance] taught me not to judge a book by its cover. I also shouldn’t underestimate a person’s worth or capability.”
“I also learned that I have a lot in common with a lot of other students in my class… Overall, I think, in fact, that coming to 2/3 [English/drama] period is what makes my day, everyday.”
“I have learned how to get along with others in the class, and to have less attitude and to have more fun.”
“If you are weak then you have to step up, but if you have a lot of strength, then you have to give it to the weak people or step back a little bit.”
On persistence and hard work:
“My favorite was the showcase because that’s really the first time I’ve actually worked hard to make something perfect. I was really proud of myself.”
“I felt really proud of myself that day we did the drama performance. I felt very good about myself and also my group because I felt like we really did very good. We did a lot of hard work on that drama performance.”
On confidence:
“This class has taught me to speak up when I feel I need to talk, no matter who the audience is.”
“I have also learned that I am capable of a lot of stuff, such as performing in front of many people although I was very nervous. I’ve also learned how to include my group members in things because before I was pretty much a ‘do it myself’ girl… Also, how to be a good audience member to others.”
“Since I’ve been in your drama class, my shyness is kind of going away and I am becoming okay with the idea of performing.”
“When Ms. Howeth first told us we were performing a play, I didn’t think our class could handle it. But they proved me wrong.”
On engagement with learning:
“Reading is fun. I remembered I wouldn’t read much but now I’m always reading some book.”
“[I have learned] that with just a little imagination you can bring a play to life and that Shakespeare can be pretty cool.”
“At the beginning of the year, I could not read a book. And then one day, you came to me and said ‘read’ and then I thought to myself if I don’t like it then I won’t read. Then I liked to read and I’ve been reading ever since that day, thank you.”
“You taught me that with passion I could do anything. I am growing and can bravely ask questions about anything.”
“I can’t wait to learn new things in the future. Performing in this class would have to be my favorite thing that we did.”
“Over the course of the semester, I have learned that reading a book can be very fun. I read so many fun and funny books.”
Congratulations to Ms. Howeth and her students!
On January 19th all drama students had a fantastic field trip to the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in San Francisco to see the play “Humor Abuse.”
“Humor Abuse” recounts the true story of playwright and actor Lorenzo Pisoni’s childhood as part of the Bay Area’ Pickle Family Circus, and Pisoni’s often-difficult relationship with his father, the circus founder.
In preparation for the field trip, Tech’s drama students had the chance to participate in a physical theatre workshop with ACT Company member Patrick Russell.
Drama students, here’s an exciting event if you’re considering studying drama after high school!
Drama Alumni Panel Discussion: College and Career Choices after OakTechRep (in the Arts and beyond….)
Tech Drama alums, you’re invited to participate and talk about what you’ve been doing since you graduated: Where are you? What college/career choices have you made? How have you been involved in Arts? What have you used from your education at Tech in the “Real World”?
January 11, 2012, 3:30-5 p.m. in the Auditorium
All current Drama students are invited to a special presentation by a guest artist from San Francisco’s famed American Conservatory Theatre in the Auditorium on January 11, 2012, from 1-2 p.m.
The following is adapted from a handout distributed at Back To School Night, September 22, 2011, by Ninth Grade College Prep English/Drama teacher Ms. Howeth.
What will my child learn this year?
This class integrates literature, language arts, and performing arts. It focuses on developing critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking skills that will empower students to accomplish both personal and academic goals. Through drama, we will examine the human condition. In this class, we will use movement, sound, and dialogue to communicate meaning to an audience.
What will my child read?
Currently, we are reading The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. Next, we will read Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers, and A Raisin in the Sun (play) by Lorraine Hansberry. In the spring, we will read Always Running by Luis J. Rodriguez, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, and Our America by LeAlan Jones and Lloyd Newman. In addition to the primary texts, we will read several short stories, poems, and nonfiction informational texts. Also, the students will read monologues and one-act plays. Finally, students will read at least four books of their choice.
Is there homework?
Yes, there is homework every night. On Mondays and Wednesdays, students are asked to read their independent reading book for thirty minutes or more and to bring it to class (the following day). On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends, students may be assigned class reading and/or writing for homework.
How can I monitor my child’s progress?
Students and parents can access his/her grade online through the ABI Parent and Student Portals at https://abi.oaklandusd.org/parent/ Please contact your child’s science teacher regarding his/her Aeries sign in information. You may also email the ABI hotline: abi-hotline@oaklandtech.com
How often are there projects or essays?
There is a project or essay at the end of every unit of study, on average two per marking period. In drama, there will be two showcase performances. The first showcase will be at the end of the first semester. The second showcase will be in the spring, towards the end of the year.
What are Houses and why are 9th graders in a House?
Houses are a 9th grade structure that allows for more individualized attention and support for each student. Students in the same house have the same Math and English teachers. There are three different houses in 9th grade. All of Ms. Howeth’s students are in the Vulcan house. Vulcan is the Roman god of fire and smithery. The teachers in this house include Ms. Pustell, Ms. Hayes, and Ms. Howeth. The teachers meet on a weekly basis to find ways to support the students that they share.
When is Ms. Howeth available for an appointment or tutoring?
Ms. Howeth is available in the mornings, at lunch, and afterschool on most days (unless there is a staff meeting). She provides academic support for students that are not earning the grade that they desire, on Thursdays after school.
How can I contact Ms Howeth?
There are several ways to contact Ms. Howeth. You may:
● Leave a note in Ms. Howeth’s box in the school’s main office.
● Email Ms. Howeth: nischalah@yahoo.com
● Leave a phone message with the school secretary, at 510-879-2130.
● Call Ms. Howeth directly, (916) 218-2837.
Tech Techies:
The Ninth Grade English/Drama class presented scenes from John Steinbeck’s “Pastures of Heaven,” adapted by Octavio Solis. Students worked with resident artists from CalShakes as part of the Tech-CalShakes collaboration.
The transformation between the beginning of the year and this production was amazing: parents could not believe how much their children had come out of their shells to perform self-confidently. One student who began the year literally unable to talk in class took a significant role in the performance and shone!
Almost all of the students from this class plan on continuing in Advanced Drama next year.
