From the Teacher's Desk:
Explore some Drama with your students
Readers' Theatre is a simple, non-threatening form of drama. Readers’ Theatre scripts are available online for no cost. Children merely read their individual roles – no memorization is required. There is no scenery, costumes, props or movement. It is up to the audience to visualize the setting and the action. Many scripts are available here: http://www.thebestclass.org/rtscripts.html
Picture books make excellent launching pads for drama lessons. This site recommends several picture books and also includes many suggestions for how to use the books, such as, problem solving exercises, role drama, narrative pantomimes, tableau, and improvisation. There are good ideas for retelling/recreating /extending the stories. Also included are some suggestions for how to use puppets and props. http://www.childdrama.com/picturebook.html
When considering a story to act out, choose one with lots of action and conflict. Stories that contain characters with distinct personalities, strong dialogue, and happy/victorious endings are more interesting to perform. Folk and Fairy Tales are excellent choices.
Children love Drama Games. These activities can serve as ice-breakers or warm-ups. They are also good time-fillers for when you don’t have time for a full-fledged Drama lesson. On this site, you will find many different Drama games that can be adapted for all age levels:
http://www.kidactivities.net/post/Drama-Games-and-Activities.aspx
Students will enjoy playing games like Cooperative Standup, Led by the Nose, Strike a Pose, and many others.
Poetry Recitation and Choral Speaking are popular ways to encourage children to develop creative expression and rhythm. Groups of children can take turns reciting phrases, refrains, and verses. Students will be especially eager to participate if the poems have "kid-appeal" Shel Silverstein's poems are popular with all age groups:
Here is an example of one of Shel's short poems – perfect for Spring:
The Early Bird
Oh, if you're a bird, be an early bird
And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.
If you’re a bird, be an early early bird —
But if you're a worm, sleep late.
~ Shel Silverstein |