FROM THE FIELD
TABLEAU AND DEEP
UNDERSTANDING
BY JAMIE HIPP, M.A.T.
Common Core places a focus on conceptual learning and
connections between concepts. Educators can utilize artsintegration strategies to teach interconnected concepts across all
core curriculum disciplines. One such theatre strategy, tableau, is
easy to implement across a variety of subjects. This article strives to
define tableau, explain the numerous benefits of this strategy, and
show examples of students engaged in tableau activities that
represent deep understanding of content.
What is Tableau? How Can My Students Create
One?
Tableau [tab-loh] is the French word for “picture.” Tableau exercises,
in their simplest form, are pictures created by participants’ bodies.
Three qualities compose a true tableau: the picture is frozen, silent,
and comprised of various levels. Teachers do not explicitly tell
A student-produced tableau of the beach, complete with surfer on surfboard, palm
tree, sunbathers, and swimmer.
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