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Making the Thundercake Lesson

Making the Thundercake Lesson

A roll of thunder. A pitter pat of rain. A creaky old door. What connects all these things? They are sound effects that evoke a mysterious, scary mood! Based on the book Thundercake by Patricia Polacco, this lesson is designed to teach students in grades 3-5 how to create mood using sound effects and movement. This is a great way for students to practice vocal skills, emotions, and teamwork by introducing the concept of mood in a story or drama. You could also use this lesson to introduce students to lighting or sound design by discussing how designers create mood in theatrical productions. 

Halloween Night Poem

Halloween Night Poem

Witches, goblins and ghosts... oh my! This spooky Halloween-themed adventure provides the perfect opportunity for students in grades 2-6 to practice transformation, collaboration and creating sound effects. You may also integrate Language Arts into this lesson by discussing how these factors can help create a setting. We have included some step-by-step delivery instructions to help you turn this poem into a full lesson.

Halloween Night Journal: Grades 2-6

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.

Creating Mood

Creating Mood Lesson

Creating mood effectively is one of the most important lessons young actors can learn. In this lesson, students can practice using their imagination and concentration skills to create mood for a variety of different scenarios. This lesson gives students a chance to hone their ability to imagine their given circumstances, while using their voice, body, and mind to communicate what they are imagining.

Sixth Grade Drama Journal: Creating Mood

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.

The Old House Poem

The Old House Poem

This haunted house contains a surprise that no one could ever guess… In this poem, two kids visit a spooky old house where there may or may not be a ghost. Students in grades 3-7 will have so much fun with this poem! Opportunities for skill building include: adding details, using sound effects, and creating body objects. We have also included some recommended step-by-step delivery ideas to help you turn the poem into a full lesson.

The Old House Journal: Grades 3-5

The Old House Journal: Grades 6-7

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. 

Sound Catch Activity

Sound Catch Activity

Working on the voice, participants toss sounds to each other and around a circle. You may wish to follow this exercise with the Vocal Environment activity. 

Sound Catch Journal Grade 6 

To maximize student achievement, download this drama journal for students to use as reflection or formative assessment. For this activity, 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.