
Fairy Tale Lessons for Drama Class
About fifteen years ago, I taught at Smithton Middle School in Columbia, Missouri. I thought I’d probably end up teaching in high school, instead I taught in a middle school–a large one at that! It was a great experience.
Every five and a half weeks, seventy-five sixth graders would roll into my class eager (or maybe not) to learn about drama. (If you are doing the math, that’s around 400 students each year!)
I taught them about the components of theatre–storytelling, tableau, movement, chanting, costumes, masks, improvisation, sets, sound effects, etc.
While doing so, many classes focused on fairy tales.
Why fairy tales?
Everyone knows at least one fairy tale–usually they know Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Snow White, etc.
When you teach the same concept over and over it gets stale. This is very hard on a creative person like me and over time I was becoming bored.
I HATE to be bored.
So, I got to thinking…………
Hmmm. What if I used one theme for the entire twenty-five day rotation? I wonder if the students (and I ) would appreciate it?
Aha.
Fairy Tale Lessons for Drama Class
Fairy tales weren’t as popular fifteen years ago as they are now (thank you Disney.) But boy, were the kids totally engaged.
Why should you take my word for it?
I did a little research to see what I could find about the reasons the study of fairy tales is useful with our students.
Wow! There is a lot of information out there—-
Research on the Importance of Fairy Tales
Now I have costume design lessons for grades 3 to 5 as well. Check them out here: Bundle Costume Design with Fairy Tale Characters Elementary Grades
And a spanking new Broadway musical unit for Peter Pan!
If you’d like to know about other Dramamommaspeaks products, check out these posts:
The Reasons to Teach Drama Class with Unique Lessons
Creative Dramatics Lesson Plans: Nine Reasons to Teach Radio Theater
Cirque Du Soleil Lesson Plans–a New Twist for Drama Classes
What are your favorite fairy tales? For some reason I like The Red Shoes fairy tale and The Steadfast Tin Soldier the most. They are both very dramatic. That must be why. 😊
Fairy Tales were always a favorite when I was growing up and I always read them to my own children and of course saw the Disney versions with my children and grandchildren. My one granddaughter, who is only 6, just performed in the Ballet Sleeping Beauty. She performed with the Pennsylvania School of Ballet Philadelphia division. Last year was Peter Pan and I can’t wait to see what they will perform next year!! LOVE theater and love your resources!
Thank you so much, Kathy. That means a lot to me.
Thank you for the kind words.
I love how you incorporated fairy tales into theater!
Thanks! It was really out of desperation.
That’s nice to hear,
Thanks for sharing the details. I helps me really think about drama.
You are very welcome.
You are very welcome. I’m glad I can help.