Working with Vocabulary and the Drama Tools: Words in Motion Lesson Writers and actors of all ages need to love words. This simple, quick, and fun circle drama activity brings words alive through the use of imagination and physical movement. With an emphasis on shape, level, gesture, and facial expression, actors communicate their ideas about … Read more
Why Frog and Snake Don’t Play Together Anymore Lesson This lesson provides rich opportunities for students to practice their collaboration and animal character skills, while learning an important message about prejudice and the power of friendship. Featuring an adaptation of the African folktale “Why Frog and Snake Don’t Play Together Anymore,” by Karen L. Erickson, … Read more
Valentine’s Day Lesson Help students work on story sequencing and imitation skills in this fun, Valentine’s Day-themed lesson! Suitable for students in grades 3-12, this lesson asks students to connect different activities to create a cohesive narrative, using setting, character, and transitions. You can integrate Language Arts by challenging students to write creative and clear … Read more
The Magic Closet Lesson Imagination and writing with descriptive detail are the focus of this magical adventure. Students enter a closet owned by someone they create in their imagination, but soon find the closet holds secrets even more astounding. Students work with a partner to act, describe, and then write about their journey into the … Read more
My Day at the Park Lesson Writing paragraphs with details turns from a laborious task into a labor of love as students first enact a sequence of events that happened at the park and then gloriously add colorful details to paint a picture (show not tell) about their day at the park. First we act, … Read more
Introducing Transformation and Predicting: The Gingerbread Man Lesson Using the beloved story of The Gingerbread Man students not only learn to transform into characters and imitate the actions of those characters, they also have many opportunities to predict and revise as they enact the story with you and their classmates. Introducing Transformation and Predicting: The … Read more
Flossie and the Fox Lesson Help students hone their storytelling skills with this clever and delightful tale! With this lesson, students in grades 3-4 can practice using their primary drama tools – mind, body and voice- while learning how to use additional support tools such as props, lighting or sound effects. This exciting story provides … Read more
Community Helpers Lesson How can group juggling teach students the importance of community? This lesson provides a fun and effective way to teach students in grades 1-2 about how every individual plays a crucial role in their community. Starting with a game of “Team Juggling,” this lesson will also guide you and your class through … Read more
Brave Irene Lesson This exciting tale of bravery, a snowstorm and a lost dress provides a thrilling way for students to practice their storytelling skills. Based on the book “Brave Irene” by William Steig, this lesson is a great way for students grades 2-5 to practice collaboration, cooperation and using body objects to represent details … Read more
Blackout: Creating Atmosphere Lesson Centered around the Caldecott Honor Book “Blackout” by John Rocco, this lesson provides rich opportunities for actors to practice using their voices and bodies to create atmosphere. Students in grades 4-6 may work together in pairs or small groups, practicing negotiation and collaboration skills as they imitate the activities of the … Read more