Teach Primary Issue 18.7

WEEK 1 Learning objective l How to approach a script Print out enough scripts so that every pupil can go home with one. You can use the ones available at the link above, or source your own. A short script (about an A4 page) is best. Have a variety of scenes for pupils to choose from. As a class, read the scenes together. You might choose to read them out loud yourself or have pupils sight-read them (the first option will take less time). After this, ask pupils to choose the scene they’d like to work on, and the character they’d like to play. M E D I U M T E R M P L A N KS2 DRAMA Download your FREE resource sheets at tinyurl.com/tp-Marsden-Scripts DOWNLOAD RESOURCES AT W hen we first think of a fun and engaging drama class, we might picture energetic improvisation; all the children buzzing with ideas and thoroughly enjoying themselves. But contrary to this idealisation, many children actually prefer script work to improv, as scripts give thema tangible starting point. In this unit, pupils will learn how to approach a script and a character with confidence, while exploring performance, voice, and physical skills. Hopefully, the children will feel confident enough at the end of these six lessons to share their creative work in front of an audience; perhaps to another class, in a school assembly, or for parents. If you think performing is just for the end of term, think again! Once everyone has been assigned a scene, a part to play, and a partner or group to work with, get them to highlight their part. Ask them to learn the words to the script at home over the next two to three weeks. Next, ask pupils to find out about the book, or play, their character is from, paying particular attention to when and where their scene takes place. You may like to do this by giving them access to computers, or by bringing in the books the scenes are from, or by giving a short synopsis of each scene yourself. After this, play a drama game to help pupils feel less inhabited about performing. You can choose one from the downloadable drama games worksheet (link above), or pick a favourite of your own. Finally, ask each group to find a space in the room to have a few read- throughs of their scripts together. Assessment Do pupils know who their character is, and what book, or play, their scene is from? Do pupils know when and where the scene takes place? WEEK 2 Learning objective l How to approach and get into character Play a drama game from tinyurl.com/ tp-Marsden-Scripts to get warmed up. Next, ask everyone to lie down, close their eyes, and imagine that they are their character. You are going to ask some questions and pupils are going to answer in character, and in their head, without calling out. Give about ten to 30 seconds between each question for pupils to form an answer in their thoughts. Explain that if they don’t know the answer that is okay; it’s the actor’s job to imagine the answers. Here are some questions you can ask: - What’s your name? - How old are you? - Where do you live? - What’s your bedroom like, if you have one? - Who do you have significant relationships with? - What scares you the most? - What is your life philosophy in a nutshell? - What makes you angry or happy? AND... ACTION! SAM MARSDEN 22 | www.teachwire.net