Join Me in my new Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/417126059784261

Menu

Back to School

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

By Leave a Comment

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

My second year of teaching
School photo of my second year of teaching

Today, let’s talk about easy-to-use middle school drama lessons, volume 1, shall we? I bet you’d agree with me–teachers are conscientious people. We are like a dog with a bone–we just don’t give up.  When I began teaching, my first three years of teaching (English) were exhausting and challenging.  In fact, I had never student taught the subject.  Plus, I was on my own  trying to understand the scope and sequence pacing.

Back then, we did not have mentor teachers. A nice, equally young teacher  gave me a huge tome complete with English department standards with outcomes expected by grade level.  It was filled with jargon which I had to translate into laymen terms before I could even consider teaching them! Talk about overwhelm. However, I never gave up and learned tons from teaching English for those three years.

From Grad School to the Classroom: What Really Works with Middle Schoolers

Time went by and I survived those first years of teaching.  Later, when I began teaching a pre-elective drama class for middle schoolers, I had just finished my M.Ed. in Creative Arts Learning. It was perfect timing—I ended up using so many of those teaching methods in the classroom right away.

What I learned over many years is that middle school students need variety and short bursts of learning.  Of course, it’s good if it’s fun, too.  (Trust me, here.  My students and I laugh a lot in a class period.) Looking for a play to direct? Check out: 8 Middle School Plays That Work Every Time

My lessons generally followed this pattern:

  • warm up (15 mins.)
  • teacher lesson (10 to 20 mins.)
  • student application (15 mins.)
  • cool down, exit slip, etc. (5-10 mins.)

What’s Inside Volume 1?

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

Even though this was a pass/fail class, I had the opportunity to teach as much or as little theater information as I liked. The principal left it up to me which was gratifying to way the least.   Also, I taught them the rudimentary concepts of stage geography, stage positions, blocking positions, acting positions, and movement. Most youth theater and school theater programs focus on the actor.  I knew that the concepts of stage orientation would be needed no matter what program or class they enrolled in next time.

Hooked from the Start: Building Excitement and Ownership in Drama Class

Additionally, students learned about the origin of theater (did it begin through myth or ritual?).  We had  lively debates discussing their opinions.  By establishing the class with this resource, a teacher can put their students in the driver’s seat right off the bat.  They learn that their opinions count!

Always I kept it in mind that I wanted my students to enroll in another drama class after mine.  Most importantly, I wanted them to leave my class so in love with theater arts they couldn’t wait to learn more about it.

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

Why Teachers Love It

It is not out of the ordinary for me to receive a positive review.  I’m thrilled that I helped a teacher! 

“My students loved this unit for my theater class.  I have always struggled on how to teach set deisng in this class and your presesntation took me step by step through the procerss! Plus, I was able to modify it for my Behavior Theater class who loved the hands on aspects of this unit. ”

“Thank you for the teacher’s script and details. YOu could easily print and use this in your classroom immediately. SO MUCH DETAILS and SO MANY OPTIONS! I can use it all or in pieces as time allows. Thank you.”

My Favorite Lessons in the Volume

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

One of my favorite units to teach is set design.  Students enjoy it because it’s concrete.  It’s not that scary acting/ emotion stuff! Plus, I focus on fairy tales as the theme.  When I first began teaching this unit, fairy tales hadn’t become as popular as they are at present.  In fact, some students weren’t even familiar with the story of The Three Little Pigs!

However, now that fairy tales are popular in television and film, students nearly jump at the opportunity to create their own set for whatever fairy tale story they choose. The unit includes titles such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood or Jack and the Beanstalk.

Storytelling Japan Student Created Pictures Drama Lesson Kamishibai Drawing

In addition, I enjoy teaching about Kamishibai Storytelling.  If you are unfamiliar with Kamishibai, you’ll enjoy how well it works in the classroom.  Got shy students?  You can encourage to break out of their shell through this unit.  First, you’ll put your students into teams of two to create their stories. They draw their story and finally they perform them in tandem.  Talk about win-win!

How to Use It Throughout the Year

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

Have you picked up a copy of my Scope and Sequence resource of drama lessons?  It’s free to you and will give you a comprehensive and organized plan.  You can find it here: Scope and Sequence, Vol. 1.

When you pick up the scope and sequence guide, you’ll notice that I suggest beginning the learning with the basic components of theater.  They include tableaux, movement, sound effects, improvisation, movement, etc.  Furthermore, there is time for designing a set and costumes, too.  I’ve included everything a teacher may need from teacher’s scripts (so you know what to say) to procedures (with time stamps) to warm-up exercises, live video clip links and a rubric or two.

Drama Class Theater Curriculum Middle School Vol. 1 Acting Improvisation Plays

So, there you have it!  I hope you’ll grab Volume 1 here to take the guesswork out of teaching drama! Or…buy Volume 1 and 2 here: Bundle Volume 1 and 2 Middle School

Looking for more?  Check out my new book, We’re Live! Radio Theater #101–all about how to use radio theater to engage students in any classroom.

Easy-to-Use Middle School Drama Lessons: Volume 1

Got a question or request?  Just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.  I’d be happy to help you!

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

P.S.  If you all ready own these, check out volume 3!  It’s brand new:  BUNDLE MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM VOLUME 3

Click here:  We’re Live! Radio Theater #101

 

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

By Leave a Comment

 

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

When I was a young child, I spent many an hour playing in the forsythia bush on the side of our home.  To me, it was the perfect place to hide away–just close enough so my mother could see me from the kitchen window and just far enough away that I could pretend anything my heart desired.  Today, let’s talk about The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics.

Picture this: a group of five-year-old’s flapping their arms like birds, pretending to soar through a jungle canopy. To an outsider, it might look like simple and unimportant play—but to a drama educator, it’s the beginning of something profound. Creative dramatics, or informal, process-centered dramatic play, is a powerful tool in the early childhood classroom. It supports developmental milestones in ways that worksheets and structured lessons simply can’t.

So why should we encourage young learners to step into someone else’s shoes—literally and figuratively? Here’s why creative dramatics deserves a starring role in every early childhood curriculum. Looking for superhero creative dramatics lessons? Go to: Super Hero Lesson Bundle 

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

1. Builds Language and Communication Skills

When children act out stories, they’re not just having fun—they’re expanding their vocabulary, practicing sentence structure, and learning how to listen and respond. Additionally, if they are like me they pick up accents they hear in movies and television and use them without being aware. Or they imitate a person’s vocal inflection (remember “E Gods!” in The Music Man?) Whether it’s a spontaneous pirate adventure or a dramatized retelling of The Three Little Pigs, drama provides a low-pressure environment to explore language.

Bonus: Shy children often feel more comfortable speaking through a character, which helps build confidence.

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

2. Encourages Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Perhaps the most important aspect of creative dramatics is that it invites children to be someone else—an important exercise in empathy. What does it feel like to be the Big Bad Wolf? Or the lost kitten? Children begin to understand and name emotions. Thereby recognizing how others might feel in different situations. This is a gigantic skill! Plus, they can learn the early foundations of kindness and perspective-taking. Read my blog post for my reasons to direct The Diary of Anne Frank: The Most Important Play I’ve Directed

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

Teamwork in Action: Building Social Skills Through Shared Stories

3. Supports Social Development and Collaboration

Drama is almost never a solo activity. In fact, when young children create scenes together, they learn to naturally take turns, listen actively, negotiate roles, and solve conflicts. Who wouldn’t agree that learning to solve conflicts is a vital skill we all need to work on? It’s teamwork in its most joyful form. And for students still developing their interpersonal skills, creative dramatics offers a safe, playful setting to practice.

Although I enjoy directing production because I get the chance to see my vision come to fruition. I’m also aware that I couldn’t have had a successful production without the cast, crew and creative staff.  To learn more about my directing experiences, check out: The Reasons I Love the Giver

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

4. Stimulates Imagination and Critical Thinking

Pretend play is the root of innovation.  Through dramatics, children learn to invent, problem-solve, and think outside the box. A single scarf becomes a crown, a blanket turns into a mountain, and suddenly—there’s a kingdom to save! This kind of flexible thinking fuels creativity across subjects, from storytelling to science. Personally, I find that pretending is very relaxing. Download this wonderful exercise if you are in need of something to boost your students creativity: Wax Museum

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

5. Promotes Physical Coordination and Motor Skills

Young children need to move—and drama gives them a purpose to do so. Acting out actions like climbing, sneaking, galloping, or twirling engages the imagination. Do you teach about verbs?  Use creative movement to teach it!  Consequently, it also strengthens gross motor skills and body awareness. Add in props and costume pieces, and you’ve also got fine motor practice at your fingertips. Need a lesson to teach creative movement? Check out: Drama Lesson Creative Movement 

The Power of Play: Teaching Children Through Creative Dramatics

6. Fosters a Love of Stories and Literacy

Many drama lessons stem from beloved books and folktales. Children who act out a story become more engaged readers and listeners.  When they act out a story, they begin to understand narrative structure, identify characters and settings, and retell events in sequence. It’s one of the most powerful ways to nurture pre-literacy skills. Here’s a FREE Japanese folk tale which is all told through movement and narration:  Ojisan and the Grateful Statues

Needing a book of ideas?  Pick up Viola Spolin’s book, Theater Games for the Classroom.  It’s chock full of exercises with side coaching advice and clear procedures.

My Final Thoughts

As I mentioned, I have fond memories of playing under the forsythia bushes in our backyard when I was a child.  Between them and the upstairs porch in our home, I had plenty of time to hone my imagination. It is one of my abilities of which I am most proud. Check out my directing resume and see what I mean–About Me

 Creative dramatics may look like play—and that’s exactly the point. It’s learning through joy, movement, voice, and imagination. As educators and parents, we owe it to our youngest learners to offer them opportunities to express themselves freely and learn through doing. Trust me, if you introduce them to pretend play they will join you with open arms.

Whether it’s a simple “pretend we’re animals” warm-up or a more structured story reenactment, every moment of creative drama helps a child grow. So grab a scarf, a hat, or just an idea, and let the story begin!

Needing a book of ideas?  Pick up Viola Spolin’s book, Theater Games for the Classroom.  It’s chock full of exercises with side coaching advice and clear procedures.

What book are you go-tos?  I’d love to hear about them.  Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks                                                                                                                              

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

By Leave a Comment

 Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

If you are a new drama teacher for middle school, you may find that although the students are excited they have no idea what to expect.  Additionally,  they may be reluctant to participate or even disinterested (how could anyone be disinterested in theater?) because your class could be a pre-elective and everyone takes it.  Or maybe the school counselor plopped them in your class so they get their arts credit completed. I can help you! This post concerns superhero drama: captivating classroom techniques.

This happened to me. Many years ago, when I discovered I had students that fit this aforementioned description, I completely reorganized my lesson plans.  Instead of the traditional lesson you might teach beginners (intro. to theater, breathing exercises, monologues and duets) I  taught with non-threatening and more group exercises. One thing that always worked with them was superheroes.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Superheroes have always fascinated audiences, capturing the imagination of both young and old. Their tales of courage, conflict, and victory make them perfect tools for engaging students in the drama classroom. Simply put, super heroes are a safe subject with them. Using superhero themes can spark students’ creativity.  In addition it can make learning more relatable, and deepen their understanding of dramatic arts. Here’s how you can leverage superheroes to create an engaging drama classroom experience.

The Magnetic Appeal of Superheroes

Superheroes embody themes like good versus evil, identity, and transformation and everyone understands those themes.  Additionally, they  are rich in dramatic potential. By incorporating these familiar and exciting characters into drama lessons, you can immediately capture students’ attention and make learning more engaging.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Super Hero Lesson Number One

Start by analyzing popular superheroes. Discuss their backstories, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. This familiar territory makes character analysis more accessible and exciting for students.  Plus, it  helps them understand the nuances of character development.

The first lesson I teach them is Storytelling with Postcards Super Hero Themed. Students are placed in small groups.  Their challenge is to select five postcard cards at random from a box or hat.  The group creates a story about a super hero integrating the postcards images, words, or themes into the story.  But, the story must be about you as the super hero. Talk about fun! Students enjoy telling the story together–see?  No performing alone.  For more information, check out the lesson here.

Lesson Plan Number Two: Costume Design and Stagecraft

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Designing sets and costumes for superhero-themed performances can enhance the visual appeal of drama and teach students about stagecraft. This hands-on approach can make the learning experience more engaging and memorable. Encouraging students to create their own superheroes taps into their creativity.  It allows them to apply their understanding of character development in a very relaxed manner.  This activity not only engages students but also helps them develop their storytelling abilities. Plus, students can study costume design at the same time. Check out this resource here.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Lesson Number Three:  Playwriting and the Monologue

Superhero stories are rich with conflict and moral dilemmas, perfect for exploring plot development and thematic elements in drama. Discussing these common superhero conflicts can make complex dramatic concepts more accessible and engaging. Another lesson which they enjoy is writing a monologue as themselves as the super hero. You might think this would be too difficult for your students, but if you give them a framework they will be successful.  Check out this resource here.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

 Lesson Number Four: Encouraging Movement and Tableaux

Superhero scenarios are perfect for practicing movement and tableaux–two crucial components in drama. Tableaux is an easy concept for everyone to understand.  There are many ways to demonstrate it through the use of super heroes–maybe a group shows the moment Super Man protects someone from a monster?  Or Wonder Woman holds back the ocean so that a group of boaters aren’t drowned by it?

Students are familiar with super heroes jumps, falls, lunges and spins.  By studying movement using the super hero theme, students yet again feel comfortable moving around the room as they learn various elements of movement.  These scenarios often involve unexpected situations, requiring quick thinking and adaptability, which keeps students on their toes. Using those lessons to lead into studying tableau, makes for effortless studying of tableaux. Check out this lesson here.

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Lesson Number Five:  Improvisation

Superhero scenarios are perfect for practicing improvisation, a crucial skill in drama. These scenarios often involve unexpected situations and require quick thinking and adaptability, By doing so, this keeps students on their toes. My favorite way to teach improvisation to novices is through a few warm up exercises.   This exercise is titled “My Three Headed Monster” but it would be just as fun if the monster became a three headed super hero.  Pick it up here (page one) and  here (page two) Again, I have found this is always a successful teaching experience because students sit together on the stage. Although they are speaking spontaneously they must work out answers together.  

Reflective Learning

Make sure that after each activity you  encourage students to reflect on their performances.  Process is everything! Discussing what they learned and how they felt embodying their superheroes can deepen their understanding and appreciation of drama. Grab this bundle which can last over five days Super  here.

‘ Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

Super Hero Quotes as Writing Prompts: Lesson Number Six

Using quotes spoken by super heroes for writing prompts is useful in this situation, too. Here are a few I like:

  • “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility.” Uncle Ben in Spider Man
  • “Heroes are made by the path they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” Iron Man
  • “You are much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.” Super Man
  • “You don’t need to be a super hero.  You just need to be better than you were yesterday.”
  •  “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of her strength, but by the strength of her heart.” Wonder Woman
  • “The woman who follows the crowd will grow no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” Super Woman

Using superhero themes in the drama classroom can transform lessons into engaging, imaginative experiences. It is easy to connect dramatic principles to beloved characters. You can make learning more exciting and relatable for students. So, be courageous!  Embrace your inner hero and lead your students on an epic journey through the world of drama, where creativity and engagement soar.

Have you ever taught using a super hero theme to teach concepts? I’d love to hear about it.  Just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

By Leave a Comment

If you are reading this blog post, you are probably a. collecting materials for the next school for your theater class or b. sick as a dog and you need help fast!  Either way, you have come to the right place. I only offer sound teaching lessons (some made with Google slides)  or advice to teachers–no gimmicks!  Today, let’s talk about 5 easy drama games for emergency sub plans.

In some ways, I don’t want to divulge this secret I have.  The site I’m going to share with you is full of fabulous theater improv. games and exercises. But in the interest and support of theater teachers around the world, I would like to introduce Hoopla to you.

Who is Hoopla?

Hoopla is the United Kingdom’s first improvisation theatre, established for over twelve years.

From their website, “Hoopla is an improv comedy (also known as improvised comedy, impro and improvisation) company based in London, UK. Hoopla were founded in 2006 by Steve Roe and Edgar Fernando.

Hoopla run a selection of improv classes and courses across London and also an improv comedy club in London Bridge featuring a selection of groups from across the UK improv scene. Hoopla are the founders of the UK’s first ever improvised comedy club. Hoopla also do improv based corporate training.

Mission of Hoopla

The aim of Hoopla is to make improv fun and accessible for everyone from all backgrounds. We’re especially focused on teaching beginners improv and we love introducing people to improv for the first time in a fun, friendly and safe way.

Also, Hoopla encourages and supports a growing improv community with shows, courses, networking events, socials and more.”

Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here

History of Hoopla

From their website, “Hoopla was founded in January 2006 by Steve Roe and Edgar Fernando, two old school friends who have known each other since they were 4 years old. Hoopla was originally based in Balham SW London, near to where Steve and Edgar grew up.

Originally it was just them and some school friends from their old GCSE drama group running a free workshop once a week, to have fun after work and keep the joy of drama and play in adult life. But it rapidly grew to friends of friends and then friends of friends of friends, and with word of mouth Hoopla soon became the UK’s biggest improv company.

Not surprisingly, Hoopla now teach 1000s of improv students a year in various venues around London and run shows five nights a week featuring improv groups from across the world. Don’t know much about improvisation?  Check out: What You Know About Improvisation In Theater And What You DON’T Know About Improvisation In Theater

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

In 2010 Hoopla’s shows moved to The Miller in London Bridge and with the help of the amazing staff there and a large community of improvisers the venue was converted to the UK’s first ever improv theatre.

Recently, the company is honored to have been involved in the huge rise of improv in the UK over the last decade and to be part of such a great improv community.”

The games I’ve included games would be best for middle school students and larger classes.  They take little to no set up and are easy to implement.  Here are several of their drama games that would work in a pinch if you needed something a substitute teacher could lead. 

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

1. Curveball Story ⚾️⚾️

Directions: 
This is played in pairs (trios work too). One person makes up a story. As they tell it, the other will call out random words that need to be incorporated into the story. Wait for the last word to be folded in before giving another.🌟

Variations
Similar to What If? where the other person says something like “what if it started raining?” “What if you jumped on a boat?” and they incorporate that into the story.

🌟Grades 3 and up would have gobs of fun with this warm-up. Use vocabulary words for the random “curve ball” or maybe characters from a book, or particular facts from a science lesson. Looking for additional warm up exercises?  Check out: Drama Class Exercises for the First Two Weeks of School

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

If you are looking for a lessons to begin the school year, check out: First Week of School Drama Class Lessons

2.  Book Club

Directions:
Two improvisers have a book each given to them from the audience and all their lines of dialogue come from those. The third person makes sense of those lines in the context of the scene. A location or relationship call-out helps at the beginning.

NOTE: I took quotes from Charlotte’s Web and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to show you.

Example
Player A (No book): Thanks for helping me out today

Player B (Book): If I can fool a bug… I can surely fool a man. People are not as smart as bugs..

Player A (No book): Perhaps you are right. Go bugs!

Player B (Book): It is deeply satisfying to win a prize in front of a lot of people.

Players A (No book): I bet! So what will you do with the prize?

Third player enters

Player C (Book): It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.

Player A (No book): Oh hi Kim! That’s a nice to thing to say after losing so terribly.

Player C (Book): Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it.

Player A (No book): Well, that’s good know.

Player B (Book): Salutations are greetings; it’s my fancy way of saying hello.

Player A (No book): Wow, you win one game and now you think you are special!

Player B (Book): It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.

Teaching Purpose
It’s fun! By the end, students learn how to accept and justify offers given. Got introvertive students?  Check out: Drama Games for the Introvertive Student

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

3. Car Journey 🚗🚕🚙( I renamed it, Family Vacation)

Everyone has stories of a family vacation or journey.  I think this is what makes this exercise so successful–it’s a universal theme! 

Directions:
Begin by having five people on stage in a car set-up.

Tell them they are on their way somewhere they don’t normally go (a convention, concert, festival, theme park, etc.).

They must be silent for the first 30 seconds of the scene.

Lastly, inform them that they cannot stop the car or get out.

Ideally they will establish relationship before any dialogue happens.

Variation
After you’ve done a few of these, ask the same casts to return to the stage and perform their return trips. They can swap places in the car.

With elementary students, you may need to get their creative juices flowing by asking them about what people talk about while they are traveling somewhere. 😊

I would think middle and high school students would have no trouble with this exercise.

Variation
After you’ve done a few of these, ask the same casts to return to the stage and perform their return trips. They can swap places in the car. (How fun would that be?)

If you choose to try this with elementary students, you may need to get their creative juices flowing by asking them about what people talk about while they are traveling somewhere. 😊
5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

4. Columns/Pillars 👉👉

Description:
For this game you need 2 volunteers from the audience. They stand/sit at the front sides of the stage, and act as pillars for the players. 2 players do a scene, and whenever they need a word they tap one of the pillars on the shoulder.

The pillars say whatever comes to them, and the players then justify why that has been said. Some words fit perfectly, others will be completely random!

Example
Gary: Thanks for helping me fix this car, Denise.

Denise: No problem Gary, I’m glad I could (PILLAR) “help”.

Gary: I really appreciate it, you know I’m so nervous about the race tomorrow.

Denise: You shouldn’t be, you’re (PILLAR) “Batman”. The others don’t stand a chance!

Gary: I know, I’m just scared that if I don’t win I’ll also lose my (PILLAR) “cook”. He only wants to work for winners.

Denise: He does make great (PILLAR) “statues” out of chocolate. I’m sure you’ll win. Hand me the (PILLAR) “oats”.

Gary: I would never think to use oats to repair a car. You’re a genius.

⭐️Additional Tips for Playing

Give the pillars a chance to practice (e.g., “this morning for breakfast I had…”)
Repeat the word after the pillar has said it
Listen, and justify what has just been said

Remember to thank your lovely volunteers!

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

Are you looking for more warm up exercises?  Check out this category: Emergency Sub Plans

5.  Oracle

Directions:

The Oracle involves four people, set behind each other. (It will look a little like the photo above.) First, one person is at the front sitting on the floor, second one behind sits on a chair, the third one behind that standing and lastly, the fourth one stands on a chair. In this way, we can see all their faces. Oracle is a brilliant low stakes word-at-a-time short form game.

To begin, the host simply takes big life questions from the audience, like ‘Is there a God?’ and ‘Why are we here?’ or ‘Will the United States win the World Cup?’ and then asks the Oracle, who answers it a word at a time (per person). When Oracle is in action everyone’s arms wave to the side. If Oracle is in silent contemplation everyone’s hands are together in a kind of ‘prayer’ pose.

It’s funny, simple and daft. And being word at a time you can guess how wise oracle sounds. Sometimes very. Sometimes just plain ridiculous!

Example–

Audience question: What is love?

Player A: Love

Player B: is

Player C: hot

Player D: chocolate

Player A: on

Player B: a

Player C: rainy

Player D: day.

In this game listening and being obvious are important, as you follow what the previous person has said. You don’t have to make complete sense or try to be funny; just say the first thing that comes to you.

Or are you looking for Drama resources made with Google slides?

5 Easy Drama Games for Emergency Sub Plans

I hope these games/exercises work out well for you.  If you’d like more warm up exercises (and you can expect me to have many favorites over the 38 years of teaching and directing), check out my free collection of warm ups for middle school students.  You can pick it up here. Or maybe you are wanting something a little quieter and individual? Check out these word searches.

Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here

 

A collection of theater warm-up exercises for middle schoolers.

What do you leave for your substitute to teach while you are absent?  I’d love to hear about it.  Feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

Dramamommaspeaks Blog Author Deborah Baldwin

 

Five Engaging Drama Games to Grab Your Students’ Attention

By Leave a Comment

Five Engaging Drama Games to Grab Your Students’ Attention

Summer is such a wonderful time for our teachers.  Time for them to rest, recuperate and have some fun! It is very richly deserved. But I often considered  subjects such as drama games to grab your students’ attention. Here are five engaging drama games to grab your students’ attention.

But before you know it, it will be August and the first school bell for the 2021-2022 year will ring. Until then, SAVE THIS BLOG POST and check it out later.

Folks who are just beginning to teach often ask me what they might need for their classroom.  Since I taught for thirty-eight years,  I am very experienced with many materials and can recommend some to you which are dynamite to own.

Drama Games to Grab Your Students' Attention

A card game⁣ sharpening one’s  imagination
#1  Nannoficitionary

Nannofictionary is a storytelling game in three rounds. ⁣
⁣
The first round involves the construction of the stories, in which players race to collect the four plot elements of setting, characters, problem, and resolution. ⁣In the next round, the players tell their stories. ⁣After that, the players vote on which were the best stories, with additional votes being added by judges on the sidelines.⁣

Nannofictionary is most suitable for grades 8 and up. ⁣
⁣
I would suggest you purchase several copies of this game for your classroom. It could be used most anytime–as a filler, cool down or warm-up for the day or for a lesson. ⁣
⁣⁣
I especially like its non-threatening nature (students select cards for their story.) The opportunities for differentiation are vast. ⁣Cost is $15.59

Drama Games to Grab Your Students' Attention

Something Physical

Check out my recent Facebook Live with Deb, the Storyteller to hear other exercises for engaging students. Facebook Live

#2 Body Sox

I learned about Body Sox while receiving my Masters in Arts Integration.  Although somewhat expensive, Body Sox are a great addition to your classroom.   Here’s what Amazon.com says about them:

“This stretchable body wrap carefully and comfortably covers your child’s arms, shoulders, legs, and feet in a calming fabric that provides deep pressure stimulation.

 Ideal for kids with ADHD, autism, or other spatial sensory challenges, the Special Supplies sensory body socks can help your child regain a sense of balance and clarity when overwhelmed.

Superior to standard dynamic movement sensory body socks that feature Velcro that comes undone or pulls hair, ours features a safety snap that holds tight without discomfort.

Crafted with a cool Lycra material, these stretchy sensory sacks wraps come in three distinct sizes and three fun colors to better match adults, teens, boys and girls of all ages.” Cost is $15.00

My students have explored movement using Body Sox.  We even included them as part of a play, portraying statues in Oji San and the Grateful Statues unit.  You can check out the unit at: Oji San and the Grateful Statues.

Five Engaging Drama Games to Grab Your Students’ Attention

#3 Be a Broadway Star Board Game

Have a small class and want to do some quiet activity?

Drama Games to Grab Your Students' Attention

Again, from Amazon: “Be a Broadway Star – the brand new board game that puts YOU in the spotlight! This isn’t your typical board game.

This is a Broadway board game! And that means you’ll have lots of chances to show off your stuff along the way, with interactive “make or break” cards that just might have you singing and dancing on your turn! Just remember, at the end of the game, whoever has the most fans wins! Can you make it all the way to the Broadway Hall of Fame? Find out today when you play Be A Broadway Star, the brand new board game for Broadway theater lovers of all ages. ” Cost is $39.99

At the time, I had several small classes in a home school enrichment program through St. Vrain School District.  This game was perfect for a day after a big project or performance. Students learn value information from the game, how an actor hustles for performing gig, etc.

#4 Uberplay Shakespeare “The Bard” Game

Drama Games to Grab Your Students' Attention

If you teach middle and high school students, this is a wonderful board game for them to play. It’s just fascinating.

As a Elizabethan theater entrepreneur in the early 1600’s, your goal is to “pack the house”. In particular, the chase is on to acquire scripts from the greatest living playwright of the time, Will Shakespeare.

To stage these extraordinary dramas, you will need to form a company of actors, acquire all the props that the play requires, find a patron, and acquire large sums of money to enable these productions to go ahead. Every step of the way, the Fates will either help or hinder! * Board * Player Markers (5) * Player Acclaim Markers (5) * Fate Cards (80) * Question Cards and Speech Cards (300) * Tiles: o Scripts (40 large tiles) o Actors (48 square tiles) o Props/Wardrobe (40 circular tiles) o Patrons (10 hexagonal tiles) * Money (30 x 1 shilling, 50 x 5 shillings, 30 x 10 shillings) * 2 Six Sided Dice with Fate Symbol * Rules Booklet

This game ranges in cost of $25.00 on Ebay to $100 elsewhere.  I don’t know why there is such a discrepancy in the price, but my guess is it is no longer published.

If you can get your hands on a copy of this game, it is worth the price.  My students LOVED it!

Five Engaging Drama Games to Grab Your Students’ Attention

#4 Brain Box Shakespeare 10 Minute Brain Challenge

Drama Games to Grab Your Students' Attention

I have not played this game, but I have a feeling it would be very helpful in an Language Arts class studying Shakespeare’s plays.  It is called Brain Box Shakespeare 10 Minute Brain Challenge.

According to the publisher, Shakespeare Brain Box game is:

  • Each of these stunningly illustrated cards includes a quotation as well as a caption explaining the scene. Put in order, the captions tell the outline of each story.
  • The plays included are A Midsummers Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest and Twelfth Night.
  • Fun and Learning
  • Visual Memory Game
  • 1 or more players

Cost is $27.98.

#5 101 Drama Games for Children:  Fun and Learning with Acting and Make-Believe. 

Drama Games to Grab Your Students' Attention

I don’t own this book at the moment, but I know I’ll be purchasing it again soon.  It’s terrific help!

From the publisher, “Drama games are not staged plays but a dynamic form in which children explore their minds and the world around them. They can use their play-acting in sensory games, pantomimes, story games with puppets, in creating masks and costumes, and much more.

Drama games allow children to get more in touch with themselves and what they want to be, and are a delightful way to discover the freedom, creativity, and expression of acting- and living.

The SmartFunActivity series encourage imagination, social interaction, and self-expression in children. “

Cost is $13.79

Have you used these games in your classroom?  You know, you don’t need to be a drama teacher to use these.  Every student will appreciate them.  If not, they wouldn’t still be out there to purchase after all these years.  Remember, I told you I’ve been teaching forever. If you’d like some free warm up games, check out DramaMommaSpeaks Theatre Guide

Here is free stuff for you: Free Stuff!

I hope you’ll try these games and book.  If you do, please contact me with your thoughts about them at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

Creative Dramatics Lessons That Kids Love

By 1 Comment

Creative Dramatics Lessons That Kids Love

Dramamommaspeaks Blog Author Deborah Baldwin

Hello!

Today, I wanted to blog about Creative Dramatics Lessons That Kids Love. You may not know me or be familiar with my work.  I’m Deborah Baldwin (but my friends call me Deb.)  I am a recently retired award-winning drama teacher of thirty-eight years.  In that time, I directed over 250 plays and musicals with students and adults as well.  I taught every grade level, but the bulk of my time was spent with secondary students.

Here is my resume if you’d like to see it:

If you’d like a free guide And lesson plan from me, click here LESSON PLAN

Creative Dramatics Lessons That Kids Love

My Teaching Style

Drama is a hands-on class. To this end, I’m always on my feet, modeling for my students while teaching them a host of concepts. It is not unusual to hear my classroom in chortles of laughter because humor is an outstanding way to gain a student’s attention. I empower students at an early age. Although I am always mindful of my learning objectives, I think it’s vital for students to experiment within the confines of my instruction.

I encourage students to be independent and creative thinkers. Many less confident or reluctant students benefit from my teaching methods as together we hit the challenges they encounter. I am creative, intense, driven and brave–these are qualities I nurture in all my students and generally receive outstanding results.

Creative Dramatics Lessons for Elementary Grades by an Award Winning Drama Teacher

If you need some warm ups for your class, whether a core or drama class check out Theatre Games Guide

Strengthening Reading Comprehension Skills

When I was researching this blog post, I found a wonderful site,  http://www.understood.org.  They discussed the reasons for reading aloud (aka drama class!):

1. Decoding

Decoding is a vital step in the reading process. Kids use this skill to sound out words they’ve heard before but haven’t seen written out. The ability to do that is the foundation for other reading skills.

Decoding relies on an early language skill called phonemic awareness. (This skill is part of an even broader skill called phonological awareness.) Phonemic awareness lets kids hear individual sounds in words (known as phonemes). It also allows them to “play” with sounds at the word and syllable level.

2. Fluency

To read fluently, kids need to instantly recognize words, including ones they can’t sound out. Fluency speeds up the rate at which they can read and understand text. It’s also important when kids encounter irregular words, like of and the, which can’t be sounded out.

Sounding out or decoding every word can take a lot of effort. Word recognition is the ability to recognize whole words instantly by sight, without sounding them out.

3. Vocabulary

To understand what you’re reading, you need to understand most of the words in the text. Having a strong vocabulary is a key component of reading comprehension. Students can learn vocabulary through instruction. But they typically learn the meaning of words through everyday experience and also by reading.

What can help: The more words kids are exposed to, the richer their vocabulary becomes. You can help build your child’s vocabulary by having frequent conversations on a variety of topics. Try to include new words and ideas. Telling jokes and playing word games is a fun way to build this skill.

Creative Dramatics Lessons for Elementary Grades by an Award Winning Drama Teacher

4. Sentence Construction and Cohesion

Understanding how sentences are built might seem like a writing skill. So might connecting ideas within and between sentences, which is called cohesion. But these skills are important for reading comprehension as well.

Knowing how ideas link up at the sentence level helps kids get meaning from passages and entire texts. It also leads to something called coherence, or the ability to connect ideas to other ideas in an overall piece of writing.

What can help: Explicit instruction can teach kids the basics of sentence construction. For example, teachers can work with students on connecting two or more thoughts, through both writing and reading.

Making Connections: Using What They Know to Understand

5. Reasoning and Background Knowledge

Most readers relate what they’ve read to what they know. So it’s important for kids to have background or prior knowledge about the world when they read. They also need to be able to “read between the lines” and pull out meaning even when it’s not literally spelled out.

What can help: Your child can build knowledge through reading, conversations, movies and TV shows, and art. Life experience and hands-on activities also build knowledge.

6. Working Memory and Attention

These two skills are both part of a group of abilities known as executive function. They’re different but closely related.

When kids read, attention allows them to take in information from the text. Working memory allows them to hold on to that information and use it to gain meaning and build knowledge from what they’re reading.

What can help: There are many ways you can help improve your child’s working memory. Skill builders don’t have to feel like work, either. There are a number of games and everyday activities that can build working memory without kids even knowing it.

Creative Dramatics from an Awarding Winning Drama Teacher

Maybe you are researching Back to School lessons. Or you are looking for drama units, lessons and plays for your elementary students. Or you want to save yourself time? 

I can help you. 

Here is my opinion about expectations of our elementary students. My Pet Peeve

Here are a few of my lessons for elementary students:

It Could Always Be Worse Readers Theater

Each lesson comes with a teacher’s letter, procedure, a warm-up, materials list, teacher’s script and assignments.

Recently, I created fifteen minute radio theater plays for grades 3 to 5.  These are royalty free, too! 

Recently, I created fifteen minute radio theater plays for grades 3 to 5.  These are royalty free, too!

I hope you’ll check out my creative dramatics lessons.  My thirty-eight years of teaching drama education serve me well in creating these lessons and/or adapting some which I all ready used in the classroom.

Have you taught creative dramatics with your students?  I’d love to hear about it.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Looking for a freebie or two?  Go to:

Free Teaching Resources Blog Hop

Free Stuff!