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Revolutionary War Through Drama: Life in the Colonies Lesson

Revolutionary War Through Drama: Life in the Colonies Lesson

Immerse your students in colonial life by having them create dramas about day to day living in the pre-Revolutionary War colonies. This lesson is an excellent way to integrate Social Studies learning with drama by discussing the impacts of British control on daily life in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. Designed for grades 4-8, this lesson also helps students hone their concentration, collaboration, and imitation skills by challenging them to create a silent mini drama.

NOTE: Revolutionary War Through Drama: Life in the Colonies  is part of our unique library of integrated lessons. These specialized lessons simultaneously teach concepts and skills related to drama and the other subject(s) targeted in the lesson. In addition, these lessons are designed to meet National Standards for Drama and for the integrated subject(s), so you can reach learning goals across multiple disciplines.


Tales Retold

Tales Retold Story 

Is the Wicked Witch really so wicked? What did the Big Bad Wolf do that was so bad? Is Prince Charming’s life not quite as charmed as we thought? Students in grades 3-8 will love this hilarious retelling of classic fairy tales. With plenty of active roles available, this piece is a great way to integrate drama and language arts by giving students a chance to practice transformation, characterization and storytelling skills.

Señor Coyote Acts as a Judge

Señor Coyote Acts as a Judge

What better way to teach action-reaction than a story packed with mischievous animal characters, including a clever coyote, a sneaky snake, and a righteous rabbit? In this lesson, students in grades 3-8 can practice collaboration, imitation, transformation, and action-reaction skills. By presenting their dramas, students can get hands-on experience with defining action-reaction and analyze its importance in creating a good story. You can also integrate Language Arts learning by having students connect action-reaction with cause and effect.

Sixth Grade Journal: Señor Coyote Acts as a Judge

To maximize student achievement, download this drama journal for students to use as reflection or formative assessment.  A drama journal allows participants to reflect on their learning and artistic growth (metacognition). It also allows you, the teacher, to see how students are using the drama vocabulary, thinking about big ideas, and perceiving their own strengths and weaknesses.

Paper Bag Charades

Paper Bag Charades Lesson

Improv can be intimidating at first, so it’s important to give students support tools and structure as they’re learning it! In this lesson, challenge students to use three mystery props as they work together to create an exciting group drama. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to practice collaboration, utilizing support tools, and crafting a dynamic story. 

 

Beaching Advice Poem

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 skills through continuing the story. We have also included some recommended step-by-step delivery ideas to help you turn the poem into a full lesson. 

Beaching Advice Journal: Grades 1-2

Beaching Advice Journal: Grades 3-4

To maximize student achievement, download this drama journal for students to use as reflection or formative assessment. For each poem, we have created a corresponding journal page for your students. A drama journal allows participants to reflect on their learning and artistic growth (metacognition). It also allows you, the teacher, to see how students are using the drama vocabulary, thinking about big ideas, and perceiving their own strengths and weaknesses.