Throughout the third approach, we used material from module 9 of the music textbook (which is common for the two classes), and module 8 of the Greek language lesson for 4th-grade students. We were able to conduct the approach with the theatrical education lesson.
The Legend of Befana
In Italy, Befana is an old woman, who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve-, the night of January 5th. She has the role of Santa Claus. Epiphany is a Latin word with Greek origins which refers to the revelation (Theophany) of the God. Early Christians used to celebrate Christmas on 6th of January, which is the day that in Greece we celebrate Theophany.
Children focused on the specific custom in order to:
- learn about the history of Christmas celebration.
- critically examine the story of Jesus birth by finding similarities and differences among Greek and Italian traditions.
- realize the value of love, sharing and offering.
Steps of the activity
Step one
Children read the Legend of the Befana.
Step two
Children discussed about the plot and they found the common parts in the story of Jesus Birth, as they have heard it in Greek tradition. They also discovered some parts of the plot that were completely unknown to them. That helped students to realize and comprehend the Italian version of Jesus Birth.
Step Tree
Each Child chose a puppet to present to the whole class, a part of the legend that impressed her/ him. Children performed their work using an improvised puppet theatre made from a wood frame and a white bed sheet.
Step Four
We exchanged points of view with the other schools of the program in a conversation and we learned more about Santa Claus.
Feedback for January