The Fun With Drama Collection

The collection of plays entitled Fun with Drama was born in the classroom. Some teachers may remember the Experience Chart which was popular for so many years? I had done stories, poems, riddles, and jokes using the Experience Chart, with wonderful results.

One day, I asked my grade 3 students: ”Do you think we could write an Experience Chart play?” They were enthusiastic and voted to start right away! We had a great time writing and producing the play and I was struck by the many valuable lessons students learned: listening, language, communication, empathy, and social skills… all that while having good fun! The students’ commitment to the play was tremendous — they considered it their play. I could not make changes unless they had a vote!

These plays are written expressly for students in a classroom setting, so they can be presented with simple props that are readily available or can be assembled easily.

Fun With Drama plays may be used to build on process drama, where teacher and students use improvisation to explore a problem, situation, or theme. Students have the opportunity to develop different perspectives on a situation by playing various roles. Improvisations with a play are not only tolerated but are encouraged, as long as they “fit”! Techniques such as monologue, tableau, and speaking in role are found in many of the plays.

Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of Fun With Drama each contain plays for primary and junior level students. Each play integrates several subject areas. Practical suggestions for cross-curricular learning opportunities are included.

Each of the volumes is available in English and French.