The following is a variation on the "frozen photo tableau" lesson described above and in other lessons here in the Exchange. It's an idea that many have modified and expanded upon.
The "Last Supper in Photos" Drama Workshop
Summary of Lesson Activities:
Children will "pose" the scene at the Last Supper as they read through the scripture and have their photos taken. As a closing, they'll take photos of what they might want to pray for and say to Jesus, by way of thanks.
Option for older students and those with more time:
Pose a version DaVinci's Last Supper featuring people from various walks of life posing different attitudes and reactions to Jesus at his table. "The tough," The too busy, The doubter, The distracted, The powerful, The ignorant, The hurt, The in pain, The poor, etc. etc.
Materials List:
- Bibles & Take Home Sheets
- Banquet Table(s) and chairs
- Costume and props for the Last Supper
- Copy of DaVinci’s Last Supper painting (optional)
- Cellphone or digital camer plus a way to show the finished photos on a large screen
Lesson Plan
Opening
Greet the children and introduce yourself and explain that today, through the use of a drama technique called “Frozen Moment,” the children will experience the Last Supper what it must have been like to be there.
Study and Photograph the Last Supper
- As you read the story, ask your students to sit at the Table and pose the scenes as they unfold -- taking their photos as they do.
Think about the disciples' reactions to what they are hearing and seeing. Bewilderment, astonishment, intense concentration, disbelief, what else?
Offer suggestions and let them suggest changes.
Suggest facial expressions they may want to recreate as the disciples hear what Jesus is saying. - You can designate one person to be Jesus, or let kids take turns by wearing a special or white robe.
- You can take "close ups" of certain students who happen to be posing in a particular interesting way. (Taking close-ups as you go will help encourage other student to get in the mood.)
- Offer insights as you go. You may also add questions, such as, "what do you think Jesus is thinking right now?" and "what do you think Judas is thinking?" etc. Some of your observations can be reserved for when you share the photos after they are taken.
Show the Photos!
Go through the photos you have taken with your class -- asking students to "call out what's happening" in each photos. As you view each photo, ask students "what were you thinking? trying to portray? feeling in that photo."
This is a good time to add additional insights about the fact that Jesus' disciples weren't perfect, they were forgiven. Jesus trained them and led them, but still had to forgive them. This is part of the message he wanted us to "remember" at the Last Supper -- that God is for us, not against us.
Closing Photos:
Close by creating one last photo of each student praying to Jesus. Have student tell you what they are thinking (praying) about when you take their photo. Post these later in the classroom or email them to their parents.
A lesson written by Canfield Presbyterian Church
Canfield, OH and modified by members of the Rotation.org Content Team
