Covering two subjects in one lesson, it’s a teacher’s dream! Integrated lesson planning, also called cross-curricular lesson planning, is a wonderful way to combine creativity and content. For some students with diverse learning needs, using drama as a way to help them master new information is especially helpful. I still remember a high school science lesson about acid rain and a student doing a presentation had created a life sized raindrop costume by spray painting blue foam. Decades later I still think about that. Here are a few of my favorite examples of integrating drama expectations with content from other subjects.
The News Report
Whether it’s science, social studies, or health, creating a news report or interview demonstrates the students’ understanding of the course content. For example, I have had students create questions and responses for an interview with an expert on a planet (grade 6 science), a cultural celebration (grade 2 social studies), or the dangers of smoking, (grade 3 health). Working in groups of 2-4, students would play the role of interviewer or expert. Some groups perform for the class and some have a smaller audience. We have had instances where their work was polished enough to perform for other classes as well.
The Narrated Scene
This integrated lesson plan can be done with the entire class. Have a student (or a teacher) read out a script and all students perform all parts. This is a fantastic body movement activity and can be used to break up a content heavy lesson. For example, in grade one science we can act out different animal activities during the day compared to night time. In grade 4 social studies we can role play how humans or animals use the natural environment in different parts of Canada.
Charades
This versatile role-playing game is a handy one to have on hand! It can be especially good for learning new vocabulary and content. Have some words in a hat, for example: deposition, sublimation, evaporation from grade 5 science. Call up one student to act out that word or phrase and students who guess the correct answer can go next or choose who goes next.
Curriculum Expectations, Learning Goals, and Success Criteria
For grades 1-8 in Ontario there is a drama expectation about role-play so each of these activities can give you information about a student’s ability to perform this expectation. In fact, this is such a key component to drama that it could be posted as a learning goal throughout the year. The success criteria would be written in grade appropriate language. Role play is a beautiful way to have students see the perspective of someone they might not have understood otherwise. It’s a demonstration of the kind of empathy we appreciate in our classrooms and society.
I have more to say about integrated lesson planning so come back to Heart and Art for more helpful tips.
Signed, that teacher who takes your class for prep and sometimes brings them back buzzing with excitement. Sorry!
Brenda
