storytelling

Why Drama Circles Work in the Elementary Classroom

November 21, 2025 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Why Drama Circles Work in the Elementary Classroom

“How Drama Circles work in the Elementary Classroom” is a topic that’s close to my heart—mostly because you are far “more fortunate than I ever was. When I began teaching, I had absolutely no resources for the theater classes I taught. I was constantly tweaking college-level acting lessons for my very young students. Not the best idea…

But lucky you! After thirty-eight years (and then some), I’ve perfected my lessons to help you. Drama teachers have known for decades that movement, imagination, and storytelling help students learn. But what if you could combine all of those elements into a simple, low-prep activity that works in any classroom? Plus, you were relegated to using a stage? There’s the secret sauce!

Enter: Drama Circles.

Drama Circles are quick, engaging activities which invite students to take turns acting out prompts, exploring characters, and stretching their creativity in a structured, supportive way. Best of all, drama circles require no costumes, no rehearsals, and no performance pressure. All you need is a printed set of cards (or a list of prompts) and a group of students ready to have fun.

What Is a Drama Circle?

To begin, a drama circle is a simple activity where students stand or sit in a circle, draw a prompt, and act it out for the group.

The prompts can focus on:

Movement–“You are a squirrel trying to teach a walnut too far out of your reach.”
Vocal expression–“You are a gruff, old bear looking for berries to eat before you hibernate.”
Characters–“You are a grandmother who has proudly made the Thanksgiving turkey for the family only to find its burned.”
Emotions--“You are a clown who doesn’t know how to juggle.”
Seasonal themes–” You are one of the elves and you accidentally wrapped yourself up in the package you were wrapping.”
“Curriculum concepts–“You and your friend show us a tableau of scene from Red Riding Hood.”

It’s worth noting, that the beauty of drama circles is that they allow every child to participate at their comfort level. In addition, they encourage bold choices and imagination.

Why Drama Circles Work So Well for Elementary Students

Drama circles align beautifully with what elementary learners need:

1. They support whole-body learning.

Young children make meaning through movement. To that end, drama circles channel wiggles productively while strengthening coordination, spatial awareness, and expressive movement. Check out this blog post for more information about movement: Creative Movement: Elementary and Middle School Teachers – Ready to Move?

2. They build confidence.

Drama circles even nurture shy children to take risks. Because students “perform” only for their classmates in a casual, low-stakes manner. One prompt at a time is far less intimidating than performing a whole scene.

3. They promote speaking and listening skills.

Every prompt becomes an opportunity for students to practice pacing, volume, and clarity. These are all important communication skills that support reading fluency. Check out this post for more information about reader theater: Unveiling Reader’s Theater: What You Never Knew

4. They encourage creative thinking.

A simple prompt like “Walk as if you’re on the moon” sparks imagination, problem-solving, and character interpretation. Pick up this drama circle is you really want to stretch your students’ imagination! Drama Circle Lost in Space: The Star Voyager Chronicle

5. They strengthen classroom community.

Laughter, shared creativity, and positive peer feedback help build trust among students. Drama circles make classrooms feel safe and joyful. Check out this article on how laughter leads students to learn.

How to Use Drama Circles in Your Elementary Classroom

Drama circles are incredibly versatile. Here are several ways teachers can integrate them seamlessly into the school day.

1. Use them as a warm-up activity.

Start your morning meeting or ELA block with a few prompts to energize your students. It sets a positive tone for the day.

2. Add them to transitions.

A two-minute elementary drama circle between subjects helps refocus brains after worksheets or independent work. This is such a great idea! Check out this FREE drama circle: Drama Circle Winter Holidays

3. Use them as brain breaks.

Instead of turning to YouTube videos, let your students act out “Ride a roller coaster!” or “Be a sleepy dragon waking up.”

4. Tie them into seasonal celebrations.

Holiday-themed drama circles (like Thanksgiving, Winter Holidays, or Valentine’s Day) make festive weeks more manageable while keeping students on-task. Here is one for Thanksgiving: Drama Circle Thanksgiving Theme

5. Use them in literacy instruction.

Warm ups for kids through drama circles help students explore:

Character traits–“Show us you are proud of yourself having run the race.”
Emotion vocabulary–“Show us you are laughing hysterically at your friend.”
Setting–“Show us you are sitting near a mountain creek with your feet dangling in the freezing cold water.”
Action verbs–“Show us you are carrying heavy groceries into your house.”
Dialogue delivery–“Show us by saying this sentence in an unusual manner–Close the door.” (I’ve used this one for years.)

They’re also a great way to introduce reader’s theater or creative writing.

6. Substitute Plans Made Easy

Left with a day’s notice? Drama circles in the elementary classroom require almost no explanation. Plus, they work perfectly as a structured, engaging sub activity. Because you can do so many activities with them, a substitute will feel at ease using them, especially if they are not a drama teacher.

Tips for Successful Drama Circles

Here are a few tricks I used for 38 years in the drama classroom—and they work beautifully in elementary settings:

✔ Keep prompts short and clear.

Elementary students respond best to simple phrases they can interpret creatively.

✔ Model the first prompt.

A quick demonstration helps them understand there are no “right answers.” This is essential in any situation!

✔ Encourage big choices.

Tell students, “Make it bigger than you think!” They’ll surprise you.

✔ Celebrate every attempt.

Applause, snaps, and positive comments build a feeling of success for all students. Here’s the importance of applause. Why Do We Clap at the Theater?

✔ Offer adaptation options.

Let anxious students perform with a partner, freeze-pose their prompt, or describe what they would do.

Drama Circles Fit Everywhere

Whether you teach in a traditional classroom, a drama room, or a homeschool environment, drama circles are a joyful way to build creativity, communication, and confidence. They’re easy to implement. Drama Circles require virtually no prep, and ignite the kind of imaginative play that elementary students love. Who doesn’t love that?

If you’re looking for ready-to-print drama circles—seasonal themes, holidays, character challenges, and more—I have a growing collection created specifically for the elementary classroom. First and foremost, they’re classroom-tested and developmentally appropriate. Plus, they are designed by a veteran drama teacher who believes learning should be joyful.

Why is a growing bundle a good deal? Because if you get in now, you will receive every new drama circle I add to it for FREE! (And as this bundle grows, the price will go up for new buyers.) You can check them out here: Drama Circle Growing Bundle

I hope you will take me up on using drama circles in the elementary classroom. Honestly, they will not disappoint you. You will be astounded at how quickly your students pick up the directions and engage!

Have you used drama circles in your elementary classroom? I’d love to hear how they have worked for you. Feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Deb

Photo Gallery of DramaMommaSpeaks — Directing

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

June 25, 2025 By dhcbaldwin 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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

January 8, 2025 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

I worry about our students. Specifically, as a drama teacher and working with all things theater, I’m concerned about our students’ creativity. So let’s consider that today–the power of creativity: nurturing innovation in students. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges, creativity has never been more essential.

Schools are not just places where students learn facts and figures. They are incubators for innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and dreamers. I believe that nurturing creativity in students is not only a vital aspect of their development but also an investment in the future.

Why Creativity Matters

This is a generality–many people believe they are not creative. One of my friends, who has a beautifully decorated home told me, “I’m not creative like you.” What? Of course, I disagree with her. Creativity is not just about art, music, or theater. It is the foundation of critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation. When students learn to think creatively, they develop skills that help them approach problems from new perspectives. They explore unconventional solutions, and express their individuality. Since this is a drama education blog, I’m going to consider creativity from that standpoint.

Creativity in Action: Building Skills Through the Arts

For example:

Problem-Solving: Creativity helps students develop resilience and resourcefulness when facing challenges, fostering a mindset of possibilities rather than obstacles. Set design is an excellent example of problem solving. Students envision their design, draw and build a model of it.
Innovation: Many of today’s most groundbreaking advancements come from those who think outside the box, whether in science, business, or technology. The War Horse play is wildly innovative using life size puppets of horses to tell the story.
Emotional Growth: Creativity allows students to express their feelings, build confidence, and develop empathy by exploring diverse narratives and perspectives. Writing a monologue, a form of playwriting, about a Christmas gift a student is given is non-threatening and something they can relate to quite easily.

Strategies to Cultivate Creativity in the Classroom

Encourage Open-Ended Exploration Let students experiment with ideas and projects without fear of being “wrong.” Open-ended assignments promote originality and allow them to explore their interests. Several times in a semester, I give students an opportunity to improv. a particular theme using tableaux or movement like the Tricicle Theater Company.
Incorporate Arts into the Curriculum Theater, music, visual arts, and creative writing engage students in ways that traditional lectures cannot. These disciplines help students develop a broader range of cognitive and emotional skills. Teaching students about building a mood through sound effects and music is always fun.
Provide Opportunities for Collaboration Group projects encourage students to build on each other’s ideas, learning how to synthesize diverse perspectives into something greater than the sum of its parts. For example, if students create their own juke box musical they must work together to create a dynamic and finished product.
Value the Process Over the Product Celebrating effort and experimentation reduces the pressure to “succeed” and helps students take risks, an essential part of creative growth. Designing a costume and using only newspaper and painter’s tape to secure it nurtures ingenuity.
Model Creativity Teachers who demonstrate their own creative processes—whether through storytelling, problem-solving, or innovation in teaching methods—instill a sense of curiosity and possibility in their students. When teaching storytelling, I always model a story for my storytelling unit.
If you’d like to learn about the importance of drama education to a student’s life, check out my Litpick.com article.

The Long-Term Impact

Are you a day dreamer? Sometimes I daydream when I’m create new resources such as the Sonologue unit. According to the American Psychological Association, “Studies indicate that creativity involves the interaction of multiple neural networks. For instance, the default mode network, associated with mind-wandering and spontaneous thinking, collaborates with the executive control network, responsible for focused attention, during creative tasks. This interplay allows individuals to generate original ideas and critically evaluate them.

As a teacher, one of the best things you can do is praise your students when they are creative, no matter the quality of their project. When creativity is nurtured, students carry these skills far beyond the classroom. They learn at an early age that having creative ideas will pay off for them. They become innovators in their fields. Additionally, they are compassionate leaders, and individuals who view the world through a lens of possibility. My advice? Be as free with them as you possibly can and just watch them light up!

The Power of Creativity: Nurturing Innovation in Students

Here’s a new warm-up exercise which I think will help you and your students greatly as they hone their creativity: Exploration Game

Moreover, creative education helps students develop a lifelong love of learning, which is critical in an ever-changing world. Learn about my former student, Brandon Davis and how he used set design as a student and turned it into a professional career. The Five Reasons Your Students Will Love Set Design

The Link Between Personality, Creativity, and Joy

Personality traits such as openness to experience have been consistently linked to higher creativity. Individuals high in this trait tend to be more imaginative. Additionally they are curious, and open to new experiences. These quality all contribute to creative thinking. in a recent study sponsored by YouGov which surveyed 700 children, “Creative activities help children recognize their unique talents and develop a deeper belief in their abilities—giving children an incredible sense of joy and accomplishment,” says Cheri Sterman, senior director of education for Crayola. For more information, check out: www.parents.com

Final Thoughts

I hope my friend re-considers her creativity. It would be sad to think someone stunted their creativity and imagination just because they don’t think they are capable. And here’s another thing–creativity has nothing to do with talent! Whoa, that’s a heady thought. Someone can be talented and not creative.

For instance, your student is a math wizard–that takes analytical thought and problem solving. That doesn’t necessarily take talent. Or your teacher is an incredible singer–they are expressive and skilled. Her prowess was probably built through much hard work and practice. I would argue that both people are creative. Do you agree?

Investing in creativity in education is about more than preparing students for careers—it’s about preparing them for life. When schools make room for creativity, they enrich students’ academic experiences. Furthermore, they empower them to shape a better future. As educators and mentors, we hold the key to unlocking the potential of the next generation. Let’s use it to inspire a world filled with imagination, innovation, and boundless opportunities.

How do you nurture creativity in your classroom? Share your strategies and success stories in the comments below!

Exploring Social Issues Through Plays: A Guide for Middle School

November 19, 2024 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Exploring Social Issues Through Plays: A Guide for Middle School

Today, I want to reflect on the my blog post title, exploring social issues through plays: a guide for middle School. Theater is a powerful tool for middle school students to explore and discuss social issues. By stepping into the shoes of characters dealing with real-world challenges, students develop empathy, critical thinking, and teamwork. Plays such as The Yellow Boat, Ama and the White Cranes, and The Third Wave provide age-appropriate ways to delve into complex topics, making them ideal for young performers.

The Power of Theater in the Classroom: Inspiring Change Through Stories

I believe one of our missions as teachers is to make the world a better place. As theater teachers, we have an incredibly useful tool at our fingertips–plays or musicals. No other art form can do what theater can do! I think you’d agree with me that the best way to reach people is through a story. Theater is non-confrontational and provides important universal themes.

In our classrooms, students can read or perform plays just for the sure fun or experience of it. Consequently, students can experience diverse perspectives and learn to understand others’ emotions and struggles. Plus, plays can structure an environment for discussing sensitive topics. Additionally, theater challenges students to examine societal issues in-depth and consider their roles in creating change.

Exploring Social Issues Through Plays: A Guide for Middle School

Here are a few plays I recommend to you. Your students could read one of these plays in your class or better yet, produce it for the public. (That’s the real elixir.)

My Recommendations for Middle School Reading

1. Peer Pressure, Authority, and Group Dynamics

—The Third Wave Based on a true story, this gripping play explores the dangers of groupthink and authoritarianism. It recounts a high school teacher’s experiment to demonstrate how easily individuals can be drawn into totalitarian systems. The Wave provides a thought-provoking look at peer pressure and critical thinking, making it highly relevant for middle schoolers.

2. Illness, Resilience, and Family

– The Yellow Boat by David Saar. This deeply moving play is based on the true story of Benjamin Saar, a young boy born with congenital hemophilia. Through his vivid imagination and artistic talent, Benjamin navigates the joys and struggles of his life, including his battle with HIV/AIDS, contracted from a blood transfusion. His journey, filled with creativity, resilience, and love, celebrates the power of art and human connection. The play is a poignant exploration of hope, loss, and the enduring spirit of a child, offering audiences a heartfelt and uplifting experience. A heartwarming and imaginative story about a young boy living with a terminal illness. This play offers an opportunity for students to explore themes of resilience, creativity, and the bonds of family.

3. Cultural Identity and Environmental Awareness

– Ama and the White Cranes This is a poignant play that blends Japanese folklore with contemporary themes of resilience and tradition. It follows Ama, a skilled pearl diver, who finds herself at odds with her village’s changing ways. When a mysterious white crane begins appearing during her dives, Ama discovers it is the spirit of her late mother, guiding her to protect the ocean and its treasures from exploitation. Ama struggles to reconcile her personal desires with her duty to her heritage. The story unfolds into a beautiful tale of sacrifice, love, and the enduring bond between humanity and nature. This is a beautiful play that introduces Japanese culture while exploring themes of courage, family, and environmental responsibility.

Timeless Stories: Exploring Empathy and Justice Through Adapted Plays

4. Bullying and Kindness

–The Hundred Dresses: This play adapted from the book of the same name, centers on Wanda Petronski, a Polish-American girl who is ridiculed by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress daily. In response to the teasing, Wanda claims to own one hundred beautiful dresses at home, a statement that becomes a focal point of the narrative. The book explores themes of bullying, empathy, and the consequences of prejudice. First published in 1944, this book and story survive the test of time.

-Holes– by Louis Sachar. This play adaptation of the book of the same name, is the story of Stanley Yelnats who is wrongly accused of theft. Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, where boys dig holes daily as part of their punishment. As Stanley uncovers secrets about the camp, his family’s past, and the outlaw Kissin’ Kate Barlow, themes of justice, fate, and friendship come to light. (It seems to be out of printing as of this writing, but do check back to see if it’s re-appeared.)

5. Leadership and Community

– The Giver: Based on Lois Lowry’s novel, this play encourages students to reflect on freedom, individuality, and the responsibilities of leadership. Set in a seemingly utopian society where pain, conflict, and choice are eliminated. Jonas, a 12-year-old boy, is chosen to inherit the role of the Receiver of Memories. The Receiver is the only individual who holds the truth of the world’s past. As he learns from The Giver, Jonas begins to see the dark truths behind his community’s controlled existence. Confronted with the weight of memory and emotion, Jonas questions whether to accept the status quo or risk everything to bring freedom and individuality back to his world. For more information, read my post–The Reasons I Love The Giver Play

Cultivating Community and Resilience: Plays That Inspire Connection

– Seedfolks: This is a touching play adaptation of Paul Fleischman’s novel, weaving together the stories of diverse individuals in a struggling urban neighborhood. When a young girl plants a handful of beans in a vacant lot, her small act inspires others to transform the space into a thriving community garden. Each character contributes their unique voice, sharing personal struggles. Most importantly, while they share cultural perspectives, unexpected connections arise. As the garden grows, so does the sense of hope, unity, and understanding among the neighbors. This poignant story celebrates the power of small acts to foster change and build community.

-Esperanza Rising– This play is a heartfelt adaptation of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s acclaimed novel, following Esperanza Ortega, a privileged young girl in 1930s Mexico. When her family’s fortunes are shattered by tragedy, Esperanza and her mother are forced to flee to California. There they work as migrant laborers. Facing the hardship of poverty, prejudice, and back-breaking labor, Esperanza learns the value of resilience, community, and hope. This powerful coming-of-age story celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the importance of staying rooted in love and compassion during times of great change.

Discussing Social Issues in the Middle School Classroom

6. Diversity and Acceptance

—The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963: Ten-year-old Kenny narrates a life-changing summer for his family. Hoping to reform troublemaking Byron, the Watsons travel to Birmingham, Alabama. They face the tragic 1963 church bombing. This moving and humorous story, based on Christopher Paul Curtis’ novel, explores family and resilience during a pivotal moment in history.

—Bud Not Buddy–-Set in 1930s Michigan, 10-year-old Bud Caldwell, an orphan fleeing abusive foster homes, embarks on a journey to find his father. Guided by a flier for a jazz band, Herman E. Calloway and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression, Bud travels to Grand Rapids. He believes Calloway to be his father. Along the way, Bud encounters trouble, humor, and wisdom, using his “Rules and Things” to navigate a challenging world.

The Third Wave: A Powerful Lesson in Authority and Responsibility

At this point in our country’s history, it is vitally important that we dramatize stories whose themes are especially powerful to our students. We are at a real crossroads. It is up to us to stand and be counted.

The Third Wave is particularly impactful for middle school students. Foremost, it dives into the issues they can relate to, such as peer pressure, the influence of authority figures, and the need to belong. The play demonstrates how quickly groupthink can take over. Additionally, it encourages students to think critically about their choices and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

By dramatizing this real-life experiment, The Third Wave helps middle school students understand the dangers of blindly following authority or succumbing to social pressures. It’s a powerful conversation starter about history, psychology, and personal responsibility. Lastly, I challenge you to select this play for production at your school–you won’t regret it!

Incorporating These Plays into the Classroom

Wondering how to introduce students to the themes and moments in history or cultural contexts? If you’re using the play in your middle school classroom, encourage students to write reflections. For example, they could be written from their characters’ perspectives to deepen their engagement. Additionally, you can facilitate a discussion about the play’s messages and how they relate to students’ lives.

Ready to inspire your students and tackle these critical topics? The stage is waiting!

What plays do you read aloud in your middle school classroom or have staged that held important themes and messages? I’d love to learn about them.

Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Creating One-of-a-Kind Plays: Custom Scripts Available Now

September 12, 2024 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Here’s a little story for you concerning this blog post, creating one of a kind plays: custom scripts available now.

Creating One-of-a-Kind Plays: Custom Scripts Available Now

Recently, when I was reading Facebook groups posts, a teacher posted asking for a script for a Veterans Day program.
Since I have previously experience creating a program like this (I wrote and directed three scripts for a diversity celebration in honor of Martin Luther King in Columbia, MO.), I jumped at the chance to help her!

She mentioned she was bored with her usual Veterans Day program and wanted something new and different.

As you might expect, we emailed each other a bit with me asking the usual questions: size of cast, grade level performing, length of piece, etc. Lastly, I asked her if there was anything special she’d like me to include? Her suggestion was to use veteran’s letters as a focus, but that she was open to other ideas.

Not surprisingly, I had no trouble coming up with a storyline. Plus, the idea of using letters in the play was a terrific one. Additionally, they were easy to find and utilize as I incorporate into the script.

Creating One-of-a-Kind Plays: Custom Scripts Available Now

I went to work on the script and two days later, I came up with “Letters Across Time“. ($4.99) The resource includes a letter to the teacher with suggestions for mounting the production, the script and four photographs of the letter writers.

The Custom Play Script Story

The story: A teacher and her students invite a military veteran to speak to their class in celebration of Veterans Day. Four students read quotes from letters of various members of the armed forces. These letters writers are George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, a Civil War soldier and a present-day female soldier.

Additionally, the students ask the veteran questions. He shares about his experiences in the war. The audience experiences first-hand what it is like to be in the military serving in a war time through the use of images of the four letter writers,

If you would like a customized bundle of my Dramamommaspeaks products, check out this blog post: The Reasons I Offer Customized Theatre Lesson Bundles

Do you need a custom script?

After writing this script, and posting to my Dramamommaspeaks store on TPT, I got to thinking…maybe someone else needs a particular program written for them?

YOU CAN ASK THE SAME THING OF ME! (Guess what? Requesting this customized program is at no extra cost to you!)

Do you need something to celebrate:

Martin Luther King
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Women’s History month
Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month
A day of historical significance in your state?
A day of historical significance to your community?

Or do you have another idea? Perhaps you’d like a radio theater script written about a particular topic? Here is one your students will enjoy: The Monkey’s Paw

Five Reasons for a Custom Script

If you are like me, it may take you a little extra thought to consider how a custom script could be of benefit to you. But here are five reasons it will help you:

1. Tailored to student abilities: A custom script can match the skill level and interests of their students. Thus ensuring every child has a part that suits them.

2. Aligned with curriculum goals: Teachers can request scripts that reinforce specific educational objectives. These could be historical events, literary themes, or social-emotional learning.

3. Saves time and effort: Teachers don’t have to spend hours adapting existing material to fit their classroom needs. The script is ready to go.

4. Culturally relevant content: Custom scripts can reflect the unique cultural backgrounds and diversity of the class. This makes the material more engaging and relatable.

5. Fosters creativity and engagement: A customized play script can include topics or themes that spark student interest. Consequently, this fosters deeper engagement and encouraging participation in the arts.

Sounds like a win-win to me. You, too?

Looking for unique, engaging drama lessons? Check out this new bundle: Middle School Curriculum Volume 3

Just email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com

Have you ever been asked to present something for a special celebration at your school? I’d love to hear about it.

Dramamommaspeaks Blog Author Deborah Baldwin

Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

June 12, 2024 By dhcbaldwin 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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

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Superhero Drama: Captivating Classroom Techniques

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