Teaching Drama to Little Ones

Book excerpt: Do you find it difficult to find drama activities for preschool age children? Teaching theatre to very young children is a completely different experience than working with older kids. Their attention spans are shorter and they require games that are simple, short and active...but also provide them with the skills necessary to grow as an actor. Teaching Drama to Little Ones is packed with activities that do just that. It includes 12 lesson plans specifically designed for kids age 3-7 that you can implement today. It also includes guides on how to adapt a script and rehearse a show with this age group. Inside this book you'll find: 12 lessons plans packed with over 70 activities ideal for kids age 3-7 Each lesson contains a Warm-Up, Focus, Voice, Movement and Imagination activity Simple reflection questions after every lesson A guide to creating a script for little ones A guide to auditioning, rehearsing and performance tips for little ones An appendix with lyrics of simple songs for classroom use Below are just a few of the topics covered in the lessons: Getting to Know You. Students will feel comfortable in a new environment, realizing that theatre class is a place where they can make new friends while learning how to sing, dance, and act. Make Believe. Students will use their imaginations to be different characters and go on make believe adventures. Working with a Partner. Students will build trust and gain confidence by learning to work with a partner. Working as a Team. Students will realize that theater involves teamwork and everyone has a role with something important to contribute. Rhythm. Students will understand rhythm, be able to clap and follow a steady beat, and practice speeding up and slowing down their voices and movements. Energy. Students will explore how energy is necessary when performing and learn how to control and focus using that energy. Emotions. Students will explore how we use emotions to show the audience what we are feeling. Actions. Students will use movement to learn the basic concepts of blocking, choreography, and stage directions. Becoming a Character. Students will become familiar with the practice of pretending to be different characters. Using Your Voice. Students will understand why projection and diction are necessary while singing and acting. Acting Is Reacting. Students will understand that listening and reacting are just as important as speaking. Putting it Together. Students will learn how their newly developed acting skills fit together as they prepare for a final presentation or show.