Tuesday 23 June 2015

Looking For Short Plays For The Classroom

By Freida Michael


A play provides a useful tool when teaching children. Accumulating a number of suitable scripts can be very helpful. Finding short plays for the classroom is much easier today with many available from online websites. Scripts are written to suit particular age groups, from tiny ones to teenagers. These scripts help teachers to involve pupils actively in learning instead of just sitting passively and listening.

If a teacher has a very specific type of play in mind, there are various ways an online search can be refined. The age of pupils, the type and style of play, number of parts are some of the selections offered. Some are more suitable for very young children and others for a teenage audience. The most popular scripts, particularly for younger children, are those that make them laugh.

These scripts work well without necessarily having to use costumes or stage props. These can be included if this can be arranged. The pupils do not have to memorize the lines but can simply read from the script, using appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures. Studies have shown that their reading skills often improve greatly as a result of a getting them to read scripts on a regular basis. Their language skills also improve as a result.

Another way a play can be used is in helping to learn certain life skills. What is learned in a fantasy context can help with daily problems like bullying or lying. Universal themes like life and death, the natural and supernatural can also be introduced in this manner. This can help the pupils to understand complex emotions more easily and learn how to cope with every day life.

When participating in a play, even the most shy, withdrawn pupils can be drawn in. It is a wonderful way to include them and before they know it, they have developed more self confidence. Children who battle academically often find great creative expression in drama too.

Learning to participate together in a group is another benefit of doing drama together. Each person has a part to play and everyone has to learn how to consider and encourage others. Children have to learn to have respect for the different roles played and each person has to be given room for self expression.

Scripts come in many different forms. Some of them require participation of only a few pupils but the others must then listen carefully and this builds their listening skills. Others require the participation of all the pupils. Every pupil gets a turn to speak, even if it is just one line. Some scripts have a few main actors and a chorus of players who have to speak their lines in concert. The number of parts required in the script needs to be checked before purchase to make sure it is appropriate for the particular class.

Some scripts have only a few roles and the rest of the pupils are required to sit and listen carefully. Others require participation of many and there are some where many of the children form a responsive chorus. Whatever the form of the play, the benefits are unquestionable. This is a wonderful way to learn, develop creative expression and be entertained at the same time.




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