Fairytales
Fairytales (ages 12-13)
This scheme of work covers the popular topic of fairy tales, with students learning the types of characters and key elements that typify the genre. The students apply their creative skills and develop a fairy tale of their own to dramatise. A number of dramatic forms are used throughout the scheme including Mantle of the Expert, Essence Machines and Voices in the Head. The unit includes two fairy tales (Little Red Riding Hood and The Fox and the Wolf) and the wonderful poem ‘The Dreadful Story of Pauline and the Matches’.
This scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.
- Lesson 1: Storytelling. Students are introduced to the genre and try to remember what it felt like to be told a fairy tale. They devise a scene where they interview a fairy tale character about the good old days.
- Lesson 2: Little Red Riding Hood. Practical work on the classic story viewed from different characters using Voices in the Head and a whole class tableau. A wolf mask is included!
- Lesson 3: The Fox and The Wolf. Angel/Devil and physical theatre techniques are used to dramatise the story, bringing the tale to life and making it engaging for a young audience.
- Lesson 4: Pauline and The Matches. The poem is represented by an Essence Machine. Small groups develop this further, learning how to integrate a well timed dramatic pause.
- Lesson 5: Devising the Assessment. Students devise and rehearse their own fairy tale, including key fairy tale elements, using selected drama skills.
- Lesson 6: Assessment. The assessment piece is performed for the class who provide positive pieces of feedback, with the teacher providing further feedback and grading the performance.
Supporting materials include
- Fairy Tale Sheets
- Fairy Tale: Little Red Riding Hood
- Mask for Mr Wolf
- Fairy Tale: The Fox and The Wolf
- Poem: The Dreadful Story of Pauline and The Matches
Additional resources are included in the appendices
- Basic Drama Skills Sheet
- End Of Unit Self-Assessment Form
The scheme of work is supplied as a PDF file, readable on most computers.
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