December in Drama Classes

As we get ready to head off for Winter Break, here is an update of what we've been doing in drama classes.

In Kindergarten, the students have begun to learn about the dramatic elements of plot, setting and character.  We have been using story drama to identify these elements and then act out the stories.   We have been having a lot of fun with Dr. Seuss stories, especially The Sneetches.

First Grade students spent several weeks using their imaginations to pretend that objects were something other then what they were intended to be, that fabric could turn in to anything we wanted it to be and that our classroom could transform in to any place we wanted to go.  The students then had the opportunity to work in small groups to create their own short plays about winter which they performed for one another.

In Second Grade, the students spent several weeks rehearsing a short play about space and community entitled Space Wrecked which they performed for their buddies.  Next, we thought more about communities when we did an activity which illustrated how we go from being individuals to members of a community in a unique and engaging way.  The past two weeks, the students have played some favorite pantomime guessing games in class.

Third Grade students have been learning about the 5 W's and how they are used in drama.  We began be exploring character (who) and then moved on to setting (where).  The students worked in small groups to write short scenes, then design and draw the sets for their scenes and finally rehearse and perform their scenes.  When we return from break we will get started rehearsing for the Third Grade Performance.  We have four new folktales to perform this year.

In Fourth Grade, the students have been working on their stage voices.  They began by choosing different dramatic poems which they rehearsed and performed for their classmates.  Then the students had some fun with MadScripts.  These are short plays done in the Mad Libs style, so they end up being very silly.

Sixth Grade students finished up learning about frozen pictures and giving and taking focus with fun activities such as Wax Museum and My Family Vacation.  They then spent time creating short scenes which solved different dramatic challenges, such as creating a game show or a fractured fairy tale.  After break, the Sixth Graders will spend some time researching an area of interest within the vast history of the theater and presenting their findings to the class.

In Eighth Grade, the students have continued to use all of the acting skills previously learned to solve complex dramatic challenges, such as creating a mock news cast.  Activities like this have been mixed with Improv games to keep the students thinking on their toes.  When we return from break Eighth Grade students will begin working on writing original plays based on urban legends.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Ms. Edwards