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Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

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The topic of five winter themed drama lessons you should try sounded like something I should blog about today. By the next time I blog, it will be 2024!  Wow, time has really flown this year. If you want something with a Christmas theme, check out: Drama Units Christmas Theme Bundle

I’m not a big fan of the whole new year’s celebration thing.  In my family, all we did was change the calendar to the next month. Exciting, huh?

However, I know teachers are always looking for thematic units to brighten up the winter months.  This post concerns new years and winter units using drama as the tool for discovery.

Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

A Story of Generosity

This is one of the only folk tales I’ve found to celebrate the new year. I like the story so much that I’ve created two short class plays of it!

This charming play, based on a Japanese folk tale Oji San and the Grateful Statues share the themes of New Year, multiculturalism, winter, kindness and forgiveness. Students strengthen their study of another culture, reading (fluency), speaking (diction) and listening skills (restating) while learning to work cooperatively. This is excellent and very suitable piece for a vocal music, social studies, reading, language arts or drama class.

Once upon a time, there was an older Japanese couple who make straw hats which they sell at the market every day.  It is a struggle for them to make ends meet, but they greet each day with gratitude and kindness to everyone.  On New Year’s eve the man goes to market and no one buys a hat. As he walks home, dejected and worried, beautiful snow begins to fall.  When he passes the stone statues which sit on the wall near his house, he notices that the snow is falling on their heads and decides to give the statues the unsold hats to protect them from winter’s harshness.

Ojisan and the Grateful Statues

Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

His wife doesn’t understand her husband’s actions, but forgives him.  In the night a knock at the door awakens the couple.  To their amazement, a large rice cake is sitting there, though they don’t know who left it.  Off in the distance, they see the statues slowly walking back to their place on the wall.  It’s such a sweet story.

Students will have an opportunity to dramatize a folk tale using many of the elements of drama, create straw hats, design snowflakes, sing an original song written in a pentatonic scale and use their imaginations to express emotion through movement.

Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

In all honesty, I’m all about arts integration–it’s my goal for every classroom to integrate drama into their learning to some degree.  Ojisan and the Grateful Statues is a perfect choice to use as an integration. Contact  your vocal music teacher and present the play together! Your students can sing and accompany the song with metallophones, xyllophones and percussion.

You can find Ojisan and the Grateful Statues here.

Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

Chinese New Year Celebration

Maybe you want something to celebrate the Chinese new year.  Although this story is not directly related, it is a super story to dramatize.  I have three lessons about–one is a readers theater, one is a play and one is an entire unit.

Li Chi The Serpent Slayer is based on an old Chinese folk tale about a young girl who lives with her family in a small village.  Every few years, a serpent terrorizes her village and drags off one of the young women for his dinner. Everyone is fearful. No one wants to fight the serpent, but Li Chi asks her parents if she can fight the serpent. Want to learn about some other multicultural plays? Check out: The Reasons Teaching Multiculturalism in the Classroom is Vitally Important

Li Chi the Serpent Slayer

Li Chi is a fierce young woman with a quick wit who is cunning and brave.  Her parents deny her this chance and forbid her to go. Even so, Li Chi slips out at night with her dog and climbs the mountain to the serpent’s cave.   This time instead of a girl dying at the feet of the serpent, Li Chi outsmarts it. Li Chi the Serpent Slayer is full of plot twists.   And it’s even more special because the main character is a female! With themes of bravery, love of family, love of community and several others The Little Girl and the Winter whirlwinds is one to beat!

You can find Li Chi the Serpent Slayer here:

 

Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

A Story of Courage

Here is another story, this time a Bulgarian folk tale which shares a delightfully, sweet story about a little girl who saves her village during the late months of winter. As with Ojisan, there are other version of this story as well. With roles for 25+ The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds shares themes of winter, generosity and courage. Perfect choice for students studying the culture of Slavic countries and/or Europe in a social studies or a drama class. you can find it here:

The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds

The story, a Bulgarian folk tale, of The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds goes like this–A wicked Winter Witch decides to stop Spring from arriving on time and makes Winter the only season on Earth. She hides the Sun behind dark clouds and covers the Earth with heavy snow. One morning the people from a small mountain village awake and fing their houses buried under the snow up to the roofs.

The people decide that the best thing to do is to send someone to the highest mountain peak, where the good wizard Father Frost lived in his palace of ice and ask him for help. Surprisingly, the Little Girl volunteers to go because she has very little to hold her back.  She believes her warm heart and love for everyone will melt the snow and bring spring. She never considered all the obstacles that would she would meet along her way. Full of varied characters of sizes The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwind is a lovely story.

Again, we’ve added music to this play and teachers seems to like this aspect.  Since this story ends as Spring arrives, it would be perfect for February or even March.

Since first blogging about this subject, I’ve created additional resources to celebrate winter in the classroom. 

The Great Santa Suit Snafu — A Winter Readers Theater Your Students Will Love

Looking for a lively winter activity that builds reading fluency and keeps your students engaged during the busiest time of year? The Great Santa Suit Snafu is a classroom-friendly Readers Theater script that brings humor, mystery, and teamwork together in one festive package. It includes twelve speaking roles with room for extras and sound effects crew.

The Story:  Only one day before Christmas Eve, the elves discover that Santa’s magical suit has shrunk! A frantic team of reindeer, elves, and Mrs. Claus tries everything—from sewing disasters to “unjingling” Jingle Bells—in an attempt to save Christmas. With witty characters, playful dialogue, and an upbeat ending, students will love performing this holiday comedy. (Even includes musical score to help you learn it!) I’ve even included the lyrics to Unjingling the Bells so you won’t have to work too hard to teach it!

Because Readers Theater requires no memorization, costumes, or special materials, it’s ideal for December lessons, substitute plans, or that energetic week before winter break. The script is written especially for upper elementary and middle school students, with clear character cues, accessible vocabulary, and plenty of comedic moments that make even hesitant readers want to participate.

Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

Sometimes, my husband and I get crazy ideas.  Rudolph the Rapping Reindeer is one of them.

The story:  Rudolph discovers a unique talent for rapping, bringing a fresh beat to the North Pole just before Christmas Eve. While Santa and the other reindeer are skeptical at first, Rudolph, with the help of the beatboxing elves Twinkle and Jingle, teaches the team to groove and find their rhythm.

Even Blitzen, who struggles to rap, taps out a steady beat with his hooves to keep everyone on track. The fun reaches its peak when Mrs. Claus surprises everyone by unleashing her own wild freestyle rap.

With teamwork and holiday cheer, Rudolph and the crew take flight, spreading joy and beats across the world in the most unforgettable sleigh ride yet.

This 10–12 minute holiday play is perfect for grades 4-6, with 12 speaking roles and room for a chorus.  It  combines humor, teamwork, and joyous fun with a unique musical twist!

Need a good laugh? 

Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

The February Doldrums

Want something fun for early February?  Get everyone out of the winter blahs with this fun musical. Best for high school students, Ground Hog Day is based on the film of the same name.  Laugh your way through the learning! You can find it here.

Ground Hog Day the musical is about Phil Connors, a cynical Pittsburgh TV weatherman, who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the isolated small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, when he finds himself caught in a time loop, forced to repeat the same day again and again…and again. Note:  This musical because of language is more suitable for high school students. 

The music is great and the story line is funny. We’ve all thought about what it would be like to go back and do something differently, haven’t we? I know I have.

The unit includes everything a busy teacher would need in order to be successful:  themes of the musical, plot, synopsis, creative staff biographies, Broadway and musical trivia, student questions (with a teacher’s key) and several enrichment activities to secure the learning.

Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try

Hello Spring!

One more unit that I think your students will find fun is Buddy and the Evergreen Trees.

Buddy is a little blue bird with a hurt wing. When winter comes, his selfish and thoughtless bird friends leave him behind. Consequently, Buddy is sad, very worried and hurt by their leaving. A group of evergreen trees hear him saying good bye to his supposed friends and decide they want to help him. They befriend Buddy and invite him to live in their tree limbs until winter passes. Buddy heals over the winter delighting in living in the snowy evergreen trees, his new friends. This story teaches the themes of winter, friendship, compassion and generosity. You can find it here. 
File:In the winter forest (5431146866).jpg

Hello Every Month!

Recently, I found this folk tale and thought it was would be a perfect readers theater unit.  Why? First, there are many speaking roles!  The story will remind you of Cinderella to some degree.  It has a parable that could lead to a class discussion topic.
The Twelve Months reader theater unit and  story concerns a young and beautiful girl (called Marushka in some variations) who is sent into the cold forest in the winter to perform impossible tasks by her evil stepmother. She must get spring violets, summer strawberries and fall apples in midwinter as presents to give her stepsister for her birthday. On her journey, she meets a group of magical people who are the personification of the twelve months of the year.
When she returns home with the strawberries, her step mother and sister don’t believe her.  Finally, the step sister becomes so engaged with anger, she decides that she will go up into the snowy mountains by herself.  Little did she know, her rudeness would come back to ruin her.
Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try
As always, I hope your 2023 year begins with much promise, joy and lots of fun teaching moments.  Teaching and learning should be fun, I believe.  It’s my hope that if you pick up these units, I’ve helped you to do so.
Drama Readers Theater Scripts Folk Fantasy Fairy Tales Literature Toolkit
Save money!  Pick up this bundle here:  Drama Readers Theater Scripts
What units do you teach during the winter season?  Anything thematic?  I’d love to hear about it.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com with your ideas.
Happy New Year!
Five Winter Themed Drama Lessons You Should Try
 

 

 

 

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

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What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

Today I want to talk about what no one tells you about creating an on-line course. I can’t believe I am finally to a place where I can blog about this subject. I’m not kidding when I say I’ve been creating an on-line course for nearly a year.

In September of 2021, an idea to create an on-line course crept into my mind and I couldn’t shake it.  I happened to put it out there that I’d like to create a course which would complement a particular category of units in my Teacherspayteachers store. Building an on-line course seemed the next step in my business and I still think this was a good idea.

I’m fortunate in that I’m a student in a wonderful company called SBZ Enterprises. They taught me how to amplify my presence in social media through their course focused on Instagram.  If you don’t know much about the Instagram and how to market on it, I’d suggest you take this course. You can find it at: SBZ Enterprises

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

Ironically, at the time I was considering this on-line course idea, SBZ was offering an affiliation with Digital Course Academy owned by Amy Porterfield.  Would I be interested in taking the course with them?  I excitedly agreed to do so, but really I had no idea what in the world I got myself into.

Persevering as I often do when I learn outside of my comfort zone, I enrolled with Morgan Sutton, CEO of SBZ as my mentor through the training. Morgan has been invaluable help in many ways and I will always be grateful for her support and confidence in me.

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

What is Digital Course Academy?

DCA is an on line course which teaches you how to create a webinar for an on-line course you are selling.  At the same time I began creating my course, I studied DCA’s trainings.  Talk about information overload! I mean, I’m not going to quit just because I’m in deeper than I meant to be. I finished the DCA course in December and decided that although I understood the concepts of webinar development, I needed to concentrate on my own on-line course before I could create a webinar for it.

Some people create the course as they develop their email list.  In DCA you are encouraged to develop your course through the help of your email followers, gaining their insights and suggestions as you create it.

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

My ideal client is a teacher who teaches theater or a core subject who wants to sharpen their teaching skills.  I all ready knew teachers don’t have time to give me feedback, especially over several months as we fleshed out the course. Nonetheless, I was advised to survey my email list and make the first three modules of my course, so I did so.

I had seven beta testers for the course back in August.  Not one of them completed the three module course.  Not one.  That disturbed me to say the least because personally I finish commitments even if I don’t want to. Morgan assured me it happens a lot in a situation like this.  Cray cray is all I can say.

I was naïve

I planned to unveil my course ready by January of 2022.  Oh my gosh, that was a ridiculous goal I could never accomplish.  However, I didn’t know that at the time.  In March I decided I’d hold my first webinars for the course.  As the days and weeks wore on, I realized I needed another month to make ready everything. Again, I was so clueless.

It took me eight more months. Course creation can be a time suck, so if you are considering creating a course you need lots.of.time. 

During those months, I built up my email list, put out more lead magnets for said email list, built sales pages for the webinar, created ten modules with guides for each and tried to hold three webinars.  I followed the launch sequence for the webinar, too.

Everything appeared ready to go.  What a flop!

Looking for a few free lessons from me? Or maybe a radio theater checklist?  Check out this Free Stuff!

 

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

You know how sometimes in your life, something stops you in your tracks and you can’t move on?  These webinars were a failure because of reasons some of which I can’t control.  My advice?  Only use Zoom to hold your webinars and no one else.  The company I selected for the first webinars completely messed up the dates and times of my webinars so the thirty people who signed up thought the webinars were cancelled. And you know, once your customer is confused they are leery to attend another webinar or buy your product.

Course Creation Takes More Time Than You Think

Licking my wounds for a couple of months I sat on the course. I wasn’t disillusioned but disappointed.  I hoped that my webinars would attract teachers and I wouldn’t have to spend any more time on the course creation. I was so wrong. At that point, I cared more about people attending than any money I could make.  In fact, I’m still of this belief.  Money comes if it’s supposed to–that much I know.

In September I finished creating the course--all ten modules and ten guides. We (my dear husband and I) completed the recordings in early November, tweaking everything as time progressed.  In the meantime, several hundred teachers joined my email list and I think I’m getting the right audience for the course.

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

Course Creation is Expensive

When you consider creating a course, there are expenses that no one tells you about for reasons unknown to me. Some of the expenses I never considered before beginning my course creation because I had no idea of all the details of doing this.  In hindsight I guess I should have researched the idea more fully before I began.

I use these platforms

  • course creation (Canva)
  • platform to hold course (Samcart)
  • payment page  (Samcart)
  • payment processing platform (Stripe)
  • sales page (Ontraport)
  • emails    (Ontraport)
  • recording equipment (I was lucky here, as we owned good recording equipment from a previous project.)

Webinar Building is Expensive Too

Building a webinar has its expenses, too.  Honestly, I didn’t know if Digital Course Academy is expensive, but there are extra (though optional) expenses involved if you use it. (Such as a course about email list building, for example.) These courses  really do help you.  Once the dust settles on this experience, I plan to re-enroll in some of Amy’s courses so I can pick up more tips. She’s really a gold mine of help!

Another expense–you need a platform for on-line meetings such as webinars and meetings with your students. I use Zoom because it’s the most respected and reliable.

Getting the word out about your course is a must–social media helps with that.  You need to publicize both the webinar and the course.  In my case, I use every available free platform–Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest. Linkedin.

If you have a blog and website as I do some of their costs play into this.  So, I must count WordPress and Wix for my blog and website and being seen on Linktree,etc.

What’s the Course?

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

My course is titled,  “We’re Live! Radio Theater 101”–a step by step blueprint using a unique teaching tool to engage students when you’ve tried everything else. Interested? Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

This week I announced the course is open and available for purchase.  To be honest, I hate this part because I can’t control the outcome. I could wax philosophical and discuss how I don’t think we actually control anything, but you get the idea.

What No One Tells You About Creating An On-Line Course

One of the most difficult challenges is making a paradigm shift in teachers who think they can’t possibly use this in their classroom. They worry that they are expected to be a theater teacher and director, but I can assuage their worries. My guess is that I will probably spend a lot of time for the next month convincing teachers.

As of this writing, the webinars are planned for January when the teachers’ brains are rested and more apt to be open to new ideas. I know one thing for certain–it’s the cheapest it is every going to be. Once I begin the webinars, the course will cost more than it does at present.

I hope this helps you.  It’s been good for me to write down my thoughts about it–that’s for sure.  Have you created an on- line course?  How did it go for you?  Would you do it again?  Feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks

 

Ten Ways to Teach Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class

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At least once a week, I read of a teacher asking help with, “My beginning theater class is open to all students in the school. However, it has become a dumping ground with students completely disinterested in theater and the study of it. At the same time, I have students who are sincerely interested in the subject in the same class.  What do I do?” Today, I’m going to talk about Ten Ways to Teach Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class.

I know this challenge all too well myself.  Several times in my career, I had students placed in my classroom because the administration thought I demonstrated skill in reaching all students and could reach these students as well.

Do you have any idea how heavy the weight of responsibility for teaching to reluctant students is? Teaching is difficult enough and a theater class poses its own challenges that not everyone is aware of. For instance, when one acts they must share their feelings, real feelings.  That’s can be scary for even the most ardent theater student.

Ten Ways to Engage Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class

Simply put, you need to outsmart your reluctant students.  Remember, you are the professional here.  You’ve got what it takes to be successful (albeit tiring). Wonder how I got to where I am today? Check out: How Theatre Saved My Life

Teach Reluctant Students

  •  You need to survey each and every class to discover whether they are interested in theater or not.  This is true of anyone who teaches any electives from industrial education to art as well as theater. By surveying the students (through a questionnaire on-line or hard copy) you’ll find out their interest level (because you will ask it) and what they hope to learn in the class.
  • After you’ve studied the students’ questionnaire, you can now shape your lessons accordingly. Does this take more time than what you would usually do?  Yes.  Is it worth it?  Yes!  It is better to know your audience (because that’s what they are, essentially) than not and spend most of the year frustrated with their lack of engagement.
  • Use a game as a warm-up. Most students love a game so I recommend playing one at the beginning of each class.  For some students, it is the delight of their day (although they may never share this with you) and it lifts the burden for you always having to teach a concept.  Let the game teach them.  Also, playing a game makes class fun no matter the outcome.  Start with something simple like the Ball Game (Don’t know it? pick it up here).  The Ball Game can be played with students of any grade level. Games give students an opportunity to get to know one another without the stress of a face to face conversation. As the quarter progresses the games you can select games which are more difficult. By the last month of the semester, you should have no problem using an improvisation exercise as a warm-up.
  • Minimize your students’ worries.  Through the questionnaire, you should have a better grasp about what they think theater is as opposed to what it actually is. They may think theater is standing on a stage, wearing a costume (the student may dislike), wearing makeup (even the boys), memorizing gobs of lines and speaking at a volume for the entire class to hear. 

         Let’s not start there if that’s the case.  Let’s do some theater appreciation instead.  Show them video clips of theaters  around the world and either have a class discussion of each theater or give them questions to answer. Here is what I  mean:  Theaters Around the World.

Ten Ways to Engage Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class

Teaching Reluctant Students

  • Study technical theater with them--set, sound, stage properties, stage makeup or costume design.  Many students just need a backdoor into the subject. Technical theater is nonthreatening.  Most assignments are meant to be completed individually and not with a group.  This helps those students who do not speak English as their first language, especially.  I really enjoy teaching technical theater. Through its study, I usually find a student who no one knew very well that turns out to be a fabulous artist! Their creativity and talent can shine in technical theater and suddenly the other student take note of them.  It’s awesome. Here are a few technical theater units which may help you: Technical Theater Units or begin with Set Design, the Rendering
  • Reader’s theater is a good choice for your class.  Readers theater is successful in a class with various levels of interest, because there is no line memorization, no costumes, etc. Everyone sits together on the stage, so there’s that “safety in numbers” thing. Plus, if you wait until near the end of the second quarter, readers theater should not be difficult for your reluctant ones.  (Read my article in One Classroom Over about reader’s theater) You’ve given them plenty of time to adjust to the class. Here’s a funny script for them:  The Brave Little Tailor Unit.  Great for grades 5 to 7.
  • Radio theater is a super choice, too. Personally, I think radio theater has everything a play does!  That’s the reason I suggest it to teachers. Radio theater is highly imaginative from the many character voices actors create to the sound effects. Plus, it is a super tool for strengthening reading skills! It is easy to keep everyone involved, because they are on the stage the entire length of the piece. It can be as simple or as theatrical as you like.  And yet again–no line memorization! This is another unit I would teach near the end of the semester or year. If you are interested in radio theater, check out: Radio Theater Units and Lessons  Don’t know how to direct one?  Go here and pick up all of the training you need: How to Direct Radio Theater
  • Use movement exercises instead of acting ones.  Movement takes no sound and no verbal reaction.  Students like the physical activity, too. The Magic Circle is a good exercise to use for movement.  (Don’t know it?  Pick it up here)
  • Turn down your classroom lights. You won’t believe how dimming the lights will ease students’ anxieties. You just want the classroom light to be dim–light enough you can everyone but no so dark you can’t keep an eye out for any inappropriate behavior.
  • Play some classical music in the background.  Classical music works because there are no lyrics for the students to notice. It can express mood without anyone saying anything.  I think of it like a comforting blanket. In those awkward moments in a game, acting exercise or lesson they can help ease any anxiety that rears its ugly head.

Want some additional tips from me?  Check out Double Casting a Show? Here’s Advice

Ten Ways to Engage Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class

Advice for the Core Subject Teachers

Many of the suggestions I’ve made above work strictly in a theater classroom. Some of them will work for you as well.

Here are a couple of other suggestions for you:

Sometimes our students just need space away from others.  Offer that space in your classroom if a student needs it.  You want them to feel safe and accepted in your classroom. I say as long as they are focused on their work, this is acceptable.

Giving students choices is always a great idea, too.  Remember you have worked out the choices ahead of time so you are comfortable with whether they select once choice over another.  Choice Boards are super for this.  Here are some of mine as an example. This bundle is very popular with teachers: Choice Boards

Ten Ways to Teach Reluctant Students in Your Theater Class

You can even pick up a sample of them right here.

Or pick up a technical theater unit for high school students here: Technical Theater Units, High School

So, there you have it!  Teaching is a wonderful profession when everyone is treated with respect. Even the reluctant students can learn that respecting your art form is possible and believe it or not–enjoyable!  I discovered that once my students knew I had their back and understood them feigning disinterest in theater, I could work with them.  Lots of times, it’s just noise on their part.  Remember that–it’s just noise.

I’d love to know what you’ve found is successful with reluctant students in your classroom?  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com.

 

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

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Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

I thought it was time to talk of the seven facts about teachers’ wishlists that’ll keep you up at night. Two weeks ago, I experienced something I wasn’t aware was a big problem, but it is my friend.

As a former teacher myself, I remember the materials I purchased which I asked my admin to pay for.  Sometimes these materials may have seemed extravagant (such as the Cirque De Soleil book on Costumes) or merely for fun (such as the video of the live version of Come From Away) but they were not.

Theater teachers have an unusual skill set–we must be familiar with directing, acting, sing, dancing, music, set, costumes, props, lights, sound, box office, front of house and much more.  Because of this, we need different materials than some.

As I mentioned previously, I had an eye opening moment when I found out a business I am involved in was willing to fulfill some teacher’s wishlists for their classroom.  Hooray! Knowing this, I jumped on Facebook and posted that I had this resource for teachers needing materials for their classroom.  Within an hour, thirteen teachers had contacted me!  Thirteen!!! Plus, there were several more that I had to turn away–that killed me.

Luckily, I was able to fulfill these wishlists for these teachers or at least get them partially fulfilled.  It was very gratifying and of course they were all very appreciative as I expected they would be.

Our teachers are using their own hard earned money to purchase materials for their classrooms.

Now, I knew some of this occurred with most teachers because teachers are always on the search for materials which will engage their students and make it easier for them to learn.

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

Here are the facts

  1. The average teacher is spending about $560 out of pocket on their classrooms this year; up from $511 last year. CJOnline.com
  2. Just under half of teachers told us that supply lists provided to parents include items specifically for classrooms, but only one-quarter of teachers get most of what they need. Of course, parents are also dealing with higher school supply costs, and many of them may have been negatively impacted by the expiration of expanded child tax credits, which expired in December 2021. Savings.com
  3. Nearly one in four teachers say they’ll spend more than $750 of their own money during the 2022-23 school year.
  4. On average, elementary school teachers receive about $11 per student from their schools’ budgets, but they spend an additional $33 out of pocket on each student. And get this: one in four teachers said their schools didn’t allocate any funds for classroom items this year.
  5. In Kansas (for example where I live), public school teacher salaries increased by 16.6% but that’s misleading.
  6. In general teachers are bringing home on average $2,179 less per year than they did a decade ago, when adjusted for inflation. NEA.org
  7. Despite the fact that most people agree teachers are underpaid, they are still expected to dig into their own household budgets to provide items necessary for classroom instruction. And these costs are going up, slightly higher than the overall rate of inflation. ( I don’t know about you, but I bet business executives aren’t expected to bring their own tissues to their office.)

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

Why is this occurring?

According to an article in https://www.businessinsider.com:

“Teachers will often purchase supplemental materials to help students struggling to grasp the curriculum. These additional resources are not always subsidized by schools. Although they follow a curriculum, and create their own lesson plans,  for some students, this is not enough for them to truly grasp the material.

Supplemental materials don’t just include supplemental lessons. Sometimes tactile activities are needed to help kids learn lessons, or, in the case of kindergarten and preschool classrooms, learn motor skills.”

How can we help our teachers?

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

As a former teacher myself, I remember the materials my administrated purchased for me. Sometimes these materials  seemed extravagant (such as the Cirque De Soleil book on Costumes) or merely for fun (such as the video of the live version of Come From Away) but they were not.

Theater teachers have an unusual skill set–we must be familiar with directing, acting, sing, dancing, music, set, costumes, props, lights, sound, box office, front of house and much more.  Because of this, we need different materials than some.

As I mentioned previously, I had an eye opening moment when I found out a business I am a part of was willing to fulfill some teacher’s wishlists for their classroom.  Knowing this, I jumped on Facebook and posted that I had this resource for teachers needing materials for their classroom.  Within an hour, thirteen teachers had contacted me!  13!!!

Luckily, I was able to fulfill these wishlists for these teachers or at least get them partially fulfilled.  It was very gratifying and of course they were all very appreciative as I expected they would be.

This got me to thinking–we should make teaching easier for our teachers not lop on financial constraints on them. Looking for fundraising ideas for your next production? Check out Turn Your Theater Department Fundraising Into A High Performing Machine

I looked around the internet and was surprised to find several organizations which offer financial support to teachers.

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

1. Classful

Classful is a website designed to allow teachers to collect funding and donations for their classrooms (as well as a little extra for being fantastic educators!). The site places emphasis on the importance of the teaching profession and aims to empower and thank teachers for doing what is often under-appreciated work.

2. Apple

K-12 educators (and those in higher education) can get as much as $150 in Apple gift cards for purchasing certain models of iPads, MacBooks, and iMacs.

3. Target

Kindergarten through grade 12 and homeschool teachers can get a 15 percent discount on school supplies at Target through Sept. 10.

4. Michaels

Educators with a valid school ID can get 15 percent off their purchase at Michaels.

5. Association of American Educators classroom grant

Apply by October 8 for a $500 grant which can be used to purchase books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, lab materials, and more.

6. AdoptAClassroom.org Spotlight Fund grants

This organization offers grants in several categories for educators. STEM teachers, art teachers, and teachers of color can apply for unique grants, as well as teachers who need support to make their classrooms more inclusive for students of all types.

7. Funds for Teachers

Funds for Teachers aims to invest in teachers’ professional development and growth with a view to boosting student success rates, improving teacher practice, and generally strengthening schools and their communities.

Funds for Teachers allows users to write grant applications according to a template tailored for a specific state’s professional development requirements, as well as requirements for supplies or new technologies. Teachers can even take a look at successful grant proposals for inspiration.

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

8. National Endowment of the Humanities

If you work within a humanities discipline, the National Endowment of the Humanities could provide opportunities for you to travel in order to broaden your horizons and learn new things. Trips can be taken domestically or abroad and all expenses will be paid (including accommodation, air travel, daily meals, and excursions). Making the most of this opportunity could help to develop your teaching practice by opening you up to new ideas and cultures.

9. The National Endowment for the Arts

Are you an art teacher with some ideas for a new project to involve your students in? The National Endowment for the Arts could be a great place to seek funding. The organization offers a selection of fellowships and grants for people that teach arts-related subjects such as English, art, or creative writing.

10. GetEdFunding

GetEdFunding is an invaluable site that helps educators and schools identify the kinds of funding they need when finances get tight through a special grant-finding search tool. The site hosts thousands of grants for educational purposes including awards for outstanding educators, grants for teachers in need, opportunities for an array of public and private schools, grants for administrators, and special educational programs.

Teachers can also develop themselves professionally by browsing the site’s scholarly articles and selection of free webinars and videos. There is are also online communities that teachers can visit for support and a virtual teacher’s lounge to enjoy during a few minutes of precious downtime.

11. The National Education Association Foundation

Not to be confused with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Education Association (NEA) Foundation is a public charity that was founded by teachers and for teachers to boost the caliber of public education for students across the country.

The organization offers grants to teachers,including teachers wishlists regardless of whether they are members of the NEA or not. Over the past decade or so, they have awarded over $7 million in funding to almost 4,500 public school teachers in order to enhance the quality of their teaching. The NEA also provides free scholarly resources and professional development advice online.

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night
 

12. Teach.com

Teach.com is an online database offering teachers an array of helpful resources covering topics such as professional development and improving student attainment. It also offers a helpful guide to ways that teachers wishlists can source funding to improve their teaching practice and help students.

13. The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers grants to small groups of teachers to attend intensive professional development courses that will allow them to bolster student achievement in their schools.

14.  Donors Choose

Donors Choose is a site founded by Charles Best, a history teacher who channeled much of his salary into funding classroom supplies. He set the website up in the year 2000 with the aim of helping teachers to collect donations to fund their classrooms. In 2003, Oprah Winfrey plugged the site on her television show, and it attained instant popularity, with around $250,000 going straight to educators.

The site itself is very easy to use. Teachers can post projects that they feel their schools need such as field trips, extra classroom supplies, or new software. Users can then donate as much as they are able to the project. Donors Choose will then order the necessary supplies and ship them directly to the school.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

In case you aren’t aware, I am an idea person.  Hence, I want to take this a step further for theater teachers but similar to Charles Best.

Part of my DramaMommaSpeaks business mission is to make theater user-friendly in the classroom while maintaining the integrity of the subject.  To my mind, this idea would be an extension of that mission.

I’m thinking about establishing a not-for-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide funds for United States’ theater teachers wishlists in the classroom. (And if you don’t know me, if I think it and say it,  I usually do it!)

In the past, I’ve submitted and been granted not-for-profit status for a youth theater company in Columbia, Missouri called Performing Arts in Children’s Education. During that time, I allocated funds for students seeking scholarships to participate in our company. In addition, I also have seven years of experience writing program grants for a community theater, Columbia Entertainment Company.

Seven Facts About Teachers’ Wishlists That’ll Keep You Up at Night

Seven Facts About Teachers' Wishlists That'll Keep You Up at Night

My idea is to set up a website for teachers’ wishlists much like Donor’s Choose but only theater teachers may ask for donations for their classroom. I would publicize this website in social media and here on the blog.  Initially, I would foot the bill of creating the website. Of course, I’d have to find out any legal policies in administrating something like this, but that doesn’t deter me since I have past experience with both sides of the donor process-both as an administrator of a company and as a representative for a company seeking funds.

Like Donors Choose, a theater teacher could submit to this website an itemized teachers wishlist of their needs, a short description of the reasons for requiring help, their location, their school’s population, etc. This teacher could be teaching at any grade level and those who also teach musical theater classes could apply as well.

What do you think of my idea?  I’m pretty excited about it.  I can plan this idea out in the next few months and build the website in December.  Anyone want to help me or be involved?  If you’ve never checked out how theatre saved me, go to: About MeContact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

 

 

 

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

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The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

One of the things I appreciate about the subject I teach is its varied subjects within it. However as we know, not all students think the same way as I. I thought you might appreciate the five reasons your students will love set design–or at least that’s my hope.

If you are teaching theater and have reluctant students, I’d suggest teaching them about set design.  I’ve yet to find a group of students who did not enjoy learning about it.

Many students love theater, but they are unwilling to perform and consequently they quit studying it and take another class instead.  The reason?  They just can’t find a place for themselves within it.  Technical theater is a wonderful place for inclusion!

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

Truthfully, I think teaching set design is crucial for a student’s studies in theater arts. Let’s face it–a set design can make or break a production. Understanding its value and encouraging your students to appreciate it too will not only enrich their learning, but make them a more rounded arts person.

Think about it.  The audience sits and looks at the set for the entire performance.  Sometimes the set doesn’t change.  That’s a loooong time to imagine the place.

I could wax poetic about my love for teaching set design.  I am that much of a cheerleader for it.  But here are some reasons your middle and high school students will love set design:

  1.  It’s highly creative–The sky is the limit when one is learning about set design.
  2.  It’s immediately gratifying–When you design a set and create a model of it (either with paper or through a set design software app.) you can watch your idea take shape right in front of you
  3.  Themes and motifs can be explored effortlessly–your ELA teacher will appreciate that you teach these concepts to your students
  4.  It’s a great way to learn cooperatively–If you have your students work in pair or teams, the design process is eye opening to them.  As in life, everyone has an idea. They should all be heard and incorporated into the design if at all possible.  Students learn to listen, adjust their opinions and consider others.
  5.  Set design skills can carry over into other subjects such as math or social studies.  What a terrific way to apply what you learn.  Design a set, measuring, ratios, etc. come into use.  Researching a local such as France for a set design can be a super integration for a social studies or geography class.

The Challenges of Set Design

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

For Your Gifted Students

I used to challenge my students who needed something more difficult to design their set using a turntable in the center.  Wow, that’s a great challenge!  Not only is it tough to build, but will it work sufficiently?

Or what about a staircase?  Students quickly learn that designing a staircase to scale is much more complex than just label a rectangle a set of stairs.  Once a model is built the student sees the error of their measurements and that’s helpful, too.

How about a bridge?  Again, it’s easy to design but difficult to execute.

A Little Trivia Break

  • Did you know Judy Dench wanted to be a set designer when she was young?
  • Or that Maurice Sendak (author of Where the Wild Things Are) became a set designer after his career as an author? (Me neither!)
  • How about the fact that real-life historical locations provided inspiration for the Hamilton musical set design? While the set isn’t literal, it draws inspiration from actual places. “One of the cool things about Hamilton is almost every single location is one that you can research and find actual visual support for, whether it’s on the internet or in history books, or if the actual location still exists,” says David Korins, the set designer. “We did a lot of research in my office, getting everything from what the Schuyler Home actually looked like to what it looked like in New York City in 1781 and 1776. And we put it all up on a big huge board on a wall in my office, and we picked and chose.”
  • If you want more information about the history of set design, check out this blog post, Past Present and Future Set Design 

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

Teaching students that “less is more” can be easily demonstrated through set design.  In the photo above, you see a simple set from the 2018 revival of Carousel.  It contains a cyclorama with a cloudy night sky projected upon it and four miniature sail boats are part of the ground row.  The rest of the set is wood pallets. Students understand this concept that’s why it’s one of the five reasons students love set design.  Isn’t it effective? If you are need advice concerning selecting a production, check out this blog post: Critical Steps in Selecting a Play or Musical: Budget & Royalties

Permit me to brag a little

This is Brandon Davis.  He was a student of mine when he was in middle school.  He’s really made a great name for himself as a set designer.  When I had Brandon in my drama class in sixth grade, he was quiet, creative and loved theater.  You can see his work below and  at www.brandonptdavis.com

 

 

If you aren’t aware, I have a store with Teacherspayteachers.com.  In it, I sell drama education resources. In this particular case, let’s discuss my set design unit.

There are two–one for middle school and another a bundle of technical theater units  for high school.

 

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design      The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

Here is my middle school design unit description:

During this eight-day unit over set design students learn about the history of set design, famous designers, develop a critical eye about what makes up an award- winning set design, create a ground plan for a fairy tale story of their choosing and draw a rendering. If you’d like a free lesson concerning set design, click here. Set Design, the Rendering

Here’s a added benefit–the students must work with ratios and measuring. (Hello math class!) The first two assignments are completed individually, but then the fun begins! The students are paired up to create a model working together towards the goal. There is even room for parents to celebrate the end of the unit with your students.

Included in the unit:

  • An overview of the unit for the teacher
  • Rationale for teaching design
  • History of scenic design
  • Set designer’s responsibilities
  • Teacher’s Script–what I say and how I say it!
  • Warm-up for day one
  • Procedures for each day (8)
  • Lecture notes including links
  • Information about the message color conveys
  • Rendering examples
  • Stage curtain sheets for rendering–one vertical, one horizontal
  • Step-by-step directions for model building including photo examples
  • Cheat sheet for various set pieces
  • Assignment sheet for each step of the design process
  • Exit slip prompts for 4 days
  • Grade sheet EDITABLE in a separate folder
  • Source page

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

High School Set Design and Others

As you would expect, my high school unit is more challenging.  It includes studying three styles of theater–modernism, expressionism, surrealism.  After reading a play of their choosing, the students select one style and design the set for that production.   They build a model of their design or use software to design it in three dimensions.

Additionally if you want to take this idea even further, I have a theater artist biography and one pager assignment available. I  have several planned, but for now I can offer you Ming Cho Lee.

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

If you are looking for advice a production’s design, check out this blog post: Critical Steps in Producing a Play or Musical: Set Design

In particular, I appreciate this quote from  George C. Wolfe, playwright and director of Angels in America: Millenium Approaches who said:

“I love working with a set designer because, in many respects, you meet the set designer before you meet the actors. So it’s a chance for me as a director to figure out what I’m thinking and to explore how the space is going to actually be activated.”

I hope I’ve convinced you to teach design to your students.  Maybe your students will become a set designer as mine did!

If you want more advice concerning set design, check out: Critical Steps in Producing a Play or Musical: Set Design

Need something for a substitute?  Check out Exploring Theater Professions Video and Class Discussion Lesson.

What technical theater lessons have your students enjoyed learning?  I’d love to know.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drama Class Exercises for the First Two Weeks of School

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Drama Exercises for the First Two Weeks of School

I receive quite a few emails asking, “I have a question about drama exercises for the first two weeks of school. What would you suggest?” That’s a really important question.  After thirty-eight years of teaching various theater classes, I have a pretty good handle on what works for me.

However, I’ve been where you are–staring at a blank calendar anxiously wondering what is most important and where you should begin with your class.  I think it’s only natural that you feel this way. Simply put–get to know your students.

Everything, and I mean, everything will go much better if you get to know your students!  I don’t advise jumping on a bunch of rules unless your list is short like mine (Three R’s–respect, responsibility and ready to learn.) Just about every situation can be addressed using the three expectations.  But that’s me.

Pick up this  ready-to-go 5 Day of Middle School Drama Lessons.

If you need a scope and sequence for middle school students, here is one: Drama Curriculum Scope and Sequence 

 

GROUP HUG AFTER WILLY WONKA (I’M THE BLONDE HEAD IN THE MIDDLE)

Building Teacher/Student Relationships

When I was looking around for information concerning building teacher/student relationships, I stumbled upon this quote from the EducationNorthwest.org:

“When teachers make an intentional effort to get to know each of their students, it can foster in students a sense of belonging and connection to school—which can then build a foundation for academic success. Positive teacher-student relationships lead to increased cooperation and engagement in the classroom.”

Here’s another quip I appreciate from Reach.com: “Understanding your students’ interests will help you to provide them with quality learning opportunities. By giving them the opportunity to explore areas they are interested in – for example, the environment – they will be more likely to engage with the learning process.”

I believe that getting to know your students and vice versa, is imperative to everyone’s success!

Here’s a recent Instagram interview where I speak about particular games. https://www.instagram.com/tv/ChsDNC8MMgh/?igshid=Y2ZmNzg0YzQ=

Elementary School Creative Dramatics Class Warm-Ups

Drama Class Exercises for the First Two Weeks of School

Elementary students are so sweet and enjoy just about everything you share with them.  One old standby of mine is Wax Museum.  Most people know this game, but if not check it out here:  Wax Museum 

When I Go to California is a terrific game for a smaller to medium size class.  The more outlandish the objects the students “take” on their imaginary trip, the better.  It goes like this:

Two of the most important skills an actor needs is the ability to concentrate and memorize. This exercise will do just that!⁣
You need an open area to play this. This game takes no materials and that’s always a nice thing, huh? ⁣
⁣
First, students sit in a circle on the floor. ⁣Person A stands and says, “WHEN I GO TO CALFORNIA, I WILL TAKE MY ____” and pantomimes something unusual he would take on a trip. (i.e. an elephant) Person A should make the sound of the object if it makes one. ⁣Person A sits again. ⁣

Person B stands and says, “When I go to California, I will take my (Person As object)  and my________” and pantomimes another unusual object. ⁣
⁣
The game continues until everyone has a chance to participate. ⁣An object can not be copied by another person as their choice for their object.  You also may need to help students when they forget objects. (I encourage students to help as well.)

If you are looking for a week’s worth of drama lessons to begin your school year, check out: First Week of School Drama Class

Or check out this one-which is a good one to use the first week of classes in elementary and middle school:  Drama Circle
⁣

Drama Games for the First Week of School

Middle School Drama Class Warm-Ups

I will admit that I enjoy teaching middle school students the most. Here’s a recent Facebook Live where I speak about teaching theater to students: Facebook Live with Deb the Storyteller

Middle School students can be shy or extrovertive.  Every class is different, so adjust your expectations according to what you observe right off the bat.  When your students enter your classroom, do they appear to be familiar with anyone (make a B line to sit with them), sit at the back or maybe the front of the room?

Nevertheless, middle school students love games of any sort.  Usually, I get them up on their feet and run through the Alliteration Name Game (you may know it by a different name). You can read about this game here: Drama Games for the Introvertive Student

This exercise will take atleast 20 minutes.  It’s important to take your time and if you find there is a student who can’t come up with an idea for their name, others may help him. Also, I require that students applaud after each person shares their  name. Why?  Because it establishes that everyone is equal and we appreciate everyone’s talent in the class.

Drama Exercises for the First Week of School

Elementary School Creative Dramatics Class Warm-Ups

This exercise that will take several days to finish– 3 Things About Me.  It goes like this:

You, the teacher, bring in 3 things which are important to you–maybe a family photo, your first doll, a medal for something you entered and won–that sort of thing.  Take about 5 minutes to explain the items.  Hand out sign up sheet for several days.  Students sign up for a particular day. When I assign this, I encourage the students to have at least one really unusual thing to share with the class.  That makes it far more interesting. I give participation points–a blanket 10 points.

I’d advise warming up the class each day.  This tag is a really good one for day two or three.  You can pick up here for free: Firecracker Tag.

Another warm up which is good is the Three Word Improvisation.  I would use this on about day five with older middle school students.  Go here to pick up this game:  Three Word Improvisation 

If you’d like some more warm ups, go to my Instagram guide.

 

High School Students Theater Class Warm-Ups

Elementary School Creative Dramatics Class Warm-Ups

High School students are great to teach, too. I’ve had some amazing high school theater classes.  Hopefully, students enrolled in your high school theater class are there because they signed up for the class which is not always the case with middle school students. If the students elected to take your class, then I’d start right in with your lessons.

If your students are new to theater (such as a Theater 101 course) a really great warm up for them (and quite difficult) is Name Volleyball.  You can pick it up here: NAME VOLLEYBALL PDF

Elementary School Creative Dramatics Class Warm-Ups

Or another is Curveball Story

Description: (many thanks to Hoopla.com for this one) 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. (Honestly, I think even elementary students can play this game, but I thought it would be really funny with older students.)

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.

Want a game that can last the entire class period?  This is the one! For years, I  have used this game which was titled, Hang Man Charades.  However, that is an offensive name so I call it Dancing Man Charades. Pick it up here:  DANCING MAN CHARADES PDF

My Recommendation for Theater Teachers

Elementary School Creative Dramatics Class Warm-Ups

Recently, in a teachers Facebook group a drama teacher asked, “Do I really have to do warm ups every class period?”

No, you don’t especially if you think you have their attention.  However, warm ups usually help everyone–there are lots of laughs (which for some students is the only time they laugh their entire day), acknowledge a person’s skill that no one was aware that they had (like the shy kid who can tell a heck of a story.) They even help you!

I could be shooting myself in the foot here, but for warm ups for elementary and middle school students I recommend Theater Games for the Classroom by Viola Spolin.  One of the assets of this book which  I like is the use of side coaching.  Because of this book, I learned to side coach my students which is inordinately vital with elementary and middle schoolers. For high school, pick up her Improvisation for the Theater.  Equally as useful and powerful. Grab a free collection of warm ups for middle school here.

What games and exercises do you like to use at the beginning of the school year? I’d love it if you would share them with me?  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Woman behind DramaMommaSpeaks