Do Not Open Poem Is there anything more tempting than a “Do Not Open” label? This poem tells the story of a mysterious package that arrives on the narrator’s doorstep. Is it a dog, a cat, a book, or a hook? There’s only one way to find out… The poem provides a great way for … Read more
Beaching Advice Poem This short but sweet poem provides a great reminder of all the items beachgoers need for a relaxing day! Students in grades 1-4 can practice sequencing, setting, transformation, or body object skills. In addition, students may choose to imagine how each item is used at the beach, practicing their imagination and playwriting … Read more
Crossing the Road Activity In this fun drama activity, students are put in pairs to improvise scenes about crossing a road. Participants will love to watch peers express their creativity and make bold choices! You will need chairs or other furniture to create a “road” in your classroom. This activity pairs well with lessons on … Read more
The Three Sillies Lesson: Using Narration Objective: students demonstrate narrative storytelling skills. Jack is on a quest to find three very silly people. This famous and quite funny folk tale delights students of all ages. The lesson introduces three different styles of narrator voice and how the choice of style affects the dramatic impact (part of … Read more
Scarf Tale Lesson: Story Elements Objective: students adapt and or revise story details. Students combine the primary tools (body, mind, voice) and a secondary tool (a prop) to create a drama. Students have fun with a scarf, passing it and transforming it. They participate in a story about a crying baby and then, in teams, adapt … Read more
Adaptation of Living Things Lesson Objective: students adapt and/or revise story details. Animal characters make up the focus for “Greysum Opossum’s Way” (included). Students adapt the story by putting in their own ideas as they work in a team (part of the third grade objectives). This lesson integrates well with teaching adaptation or habitats in science. … Read more
The Well story This story is designed to be played by a group of 4, but it can be told with any number of students. In this story, students learn to identify and imitate emotions such as pride, silliness, anger, fear, frustration, joy, and shock.
The Dragon Kite story Use this story to discuss cooperation, friendship, and making choices as they relate to the story and real life situations. This story works well with the Kite Activity.
Why the Earth is Green story This story was written for students studying drama and the solar system. In science, this can be used when the students are learning the characteristics of the planets.
The Old Statue Maker story This is a story that works with the idea of friendships. You can use this as a warm-up: have the students enact this story in movement only as you tell it. It works with the skills of Imagination, Playwriting, and Story Elements: Theme.