Since taking on drama as a special focus in the Fun English lesson a few years ago, our NET team has successfully implemented a levelled plan to ensure each grade enjoys some exposure to drama elements each year.
The students are gradually introduced to drama-based activities which they can apply when performing in a real drama. At the J.3 and J.4 level, the focus is put on developing a vocal range of feeling and volume, and active bodywork, such as gesture and facial expression. The exercises are incorporated into the lesson to keep it fun and active.
To supplement the drama exercises, the NETs write a simplified version of the story in script form to give the students a chance to practise what it is like to put on a drama. Since the script is more condensed than the reader, it also helps students to review the main points of the plot while keeping it short enough to work with within the time contraints of the teaching schedule. Whenever possible, the school arranges for the Fun English classes to meet in the school hall to rehearse and perform their ‘mini-dramas’, oftentimes for other classes in their grade.
This year the J.3 classes used the book, “The Best Pet”, to incorporate drama into the Fun English lessons, the J.4 classes used the book “Rumble in the Jungle” while the J.5 classes used “Arlo the Dandy Lion”. All stories were great because they had a variety of characters and emotions that are crucial to drama. We’ve had a lot of fun introducing drama to the students and now have students begging us to participate in the special Christmas and end-of-year performances. It seems like they can’t get enough! |
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