What is Drama in Education?
Drama in Education is considering using drama as a process rather than a product in the classroom. Drama in Education includes using arts integration strategies and applied theatre strategies to teach. In addition to building on drama skills, using drama in the school can develop confidence and collaboration skills and encourage innovation, imagination, and creativity.
Activation Ideas
Alphabet Race
Set up | On large chart paper write out the alphabet in columns leaving enough room to write out a word using the alphabet letters as the first letter of the word. Example: A B C |
Teams | Divide class into two teams. Have each team stand in two lines. Denote a starting point. Hand two markers to the first two people. Explain that when you say go one person at a time from each time will walk up and write a word associated with Drama in Education. Example: A acting B blocking C creativity |
Reflection | First team to complete the alphabet wins the first part. Everyone will review the alphabet asking the team who completed the first task to give a rationale for words that are questionable. Repeat for the team who completed the activity in second place. |
Modification - Graffiti Wall | Students sit in groups. Each group has large paper and markers. Ask groups to go through the alphabet and ‘graffitti’ words associated with Drama in Education. Share the walls with all students. |
Questions | Which words jumped out at you? Which words surprised you or had you not thought about? What do you think Drama in Education is? |
Gallery Walk
Quotes | Find quotes from practitioners, past and present, who have influenced or continue to influence Drama in Education. |
Post them around the room. | |
Students will walk around and look at them and eventually stand next to one that resonates with them. | |
Tableau | In those groups discuss why that quote resonates with them. Create a tableau showing us when that is happening and works well in a classroom. Create another tableau showing us when it is a challenge in a classroom. Rehearse morphing from one to the other. Give it a title. |
Reflection | What does Drama in Education mean to our practice? |