On May 17, 2005, fifth grade students in Mrs. Lucia Buro’s and Mrs. Maureen Giordano’s Language Arts classes participated in a two-week simulation about our legal system entitled, Fairy Tales on Trial.
Mrs. Buro comments, “One of our overriding goals to this activity was to have our students gain an understanding of the laws and standards that govern our society.” She went on to state, “However, our eager learners were engaged in more than just role-playing scenarios; they were investigating the connection between various behaviors and the standards of society, as well as examining the consequences of those behaviors on individuals and groups.”
In addition to experiencing the process of a trial, the students also participated in the critical thinking process that accompanies the preparation of a case. The students read a fairytale with a critical eye and assessed the behaviors of the characters. They prepared legal arguments, opening and closing statements, as well as questions for witnesses.
The students worked with a variety of skills, materials and activities for this event. Some of the activities included group discussion focusing on courtroom processes and terminology, the genre of fairytale under scrutiny and evaluating evidence and theatrics. Throughout all activities, the students worked cooperatively to develop critical thinking skills, critical reading tactics, point of view development, persuasive and analytical writing and dramatic delivery.
Clips of Fairy Tales on Trial will be aired on Prime Time Roxbury from May 29, 2005 through the later part of June 2005. Check in with Prime Time Roxbury to find out if the defendant, Peter Rabbit, was found guilty or not guilty.