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Walk in their shoes. Live through their eyes. Teachers may select any Social Studies unit or topic, possibly enhanced by incorporating a related Language Arts text. Collaboration wi... Read more

Walk in their shoes. Live through their eyes.

Teachers may select any Social Studies unit or topic, possibly enhanced by incorporating a related Language Arts text. Collaboration with the Teaching Artist ensures the alignment of specific Drama activities with the selected content to fully support student learning. (See Additional Notes for examples)

The residency typically consists of 5 sessions with the possibility of related teacher directed classwork in between. Each meeting incorporates a warm-up, a brief review, 1-2 drama activities, moments of self-reflection, a summary, and a preview.

Session 1 introduces students to drama and builds comfort and confidence by working simultaneously "alone together" , developing focus and inspiring creativity. Sharing what they have learned about the topic begins the exploration.

Sessions 2 and 3 intertwine research and imagination to deepen understanding of the actions and motivations of people throughout history or in other cultures. Based on guided reading of text and images, each student visualizes a character"s personal life, relationships, occupation, and events within their community. Children communicate insights through discussion, writing (letters/journal entries/scripts/poetry) and /or drawing (floor plans of homes or workplaces).

Session 4 breathes life into the work as students improvise situations and speak in the voice of their character to create a unique Sharing of the connections made.

Session 5 empowers students to solidify their learning by presenting to others, reflecting on their own work and giving/receiving feedback.

Acting exercises based on character and environment bring fresh personal insights, as students experience the world from the perspective of another time, place, and culture. Honoring individual exploration assures equal participation throughout the creative process. Handouts, prompts and activities can provide powerful support to a range of topics throughout the year.

45-60 minute sessions with a culminating grade level Share Number of sessions is flexible and are typically held once or twice a week to best integrate with selected Social Studies unit ... Read more

45-60 minute sessions with a culminating grade level Share
Number of sessions is flexible and are typically held once or twice a week to best integrate with selected Social Studies unit
Schedule determined during a pre-planning meeting and based on the needs of the school

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Chart paper or white board Non-lined paper or journal for each studentAgreed upon materials or copies Props for informal Sharing, if desiredCopy of the selected Social St... Read more

Chart paper or white board
Non-lined paper or journal for each student
Agreed upon materials or copies
Props for informal Sharing, if desired
Copy of the selected Social Studies unit or chapter and related text for the planning meeting

Open space in classroom or multi-purpose space large enough for entire class to participate on their feet simultaneously or spread out to work in small groupsA large space or auditorium re... Read more

Open space in classroom or multi-purpose space large enough for entire class to participate on their feet simultaneously or spread out to work in small groups
A large space or auditorium reserved for Session 4 and Session 5, if sharing with the whole grade level