Chapter 14 – The qualities of drama
Consider the following statements and click to reveal the answer.
1. In examining why drama is important, what are the four main functions of drama in primary classrooms?
Answer:
In examining why drama is important, the four main functions of drama in primary classrooms are:
- Drama as story;
- Drama as an aid to learning;
- Drama as a resource for moral education;
- Drama as an aid to language and literacy development.
2. Describe how the following drama activities can make a contribution to children’s language and range of experience.
- Puppets
- Hot seating
- Improvisation
- Simulation
- Tableaux/thought tracking
Answer:
a. Puppets – can be used to perform an improvised or scripted story.
b. Hot seating – can be used to explain characters’ motives and behaviour.
c. Improvisation – can lead to presenting devised dialogue as a drama script.
d. Simulation – requires more pre-planning and research than an improvisation.
e. Tableaux/thought tracking – using a frozen moment allows children to explore the thoughts of a particular character and the significance of that moment to their character.
3. In the layout of play scripts, what are the key elements that must be made clear?
Answer:
The key elements that must be made clear in the layout of play scripts are setting, stage directions, character names and dialogue.
4. What is iambic pentameter?
Answer:
Iambic pentameter is a rhythmical pattern with five metrical beats to the line – Shakespeare’s plays are largely written in iambic pentameter.
5. Which are the main elements that should be considered when analysing play scripts?
Answer:
The main elements that should be considered when analysing play scripts are: appropriateness for the children’s maturity, skills and interests (and the teacher’s interest); plot and themes; characters; dialogue; use of language; and the overall attractiveness of the book as an object.
