Objective
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the elements of a children’s play by turning in an outline for an original script.
Materials Needed
Theatre for Children by David Wood Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie Couches, beanbags, chairs Hot cocoa and cookies (optional)
Related Documents
• Writing a Synopsis 3.Writing a Synopsis Handout
Lesson Directions
Anticipatory Set/Hook
Write on the board, “Story Time”. Set up the classroom like a comfortable reading lounge with (if available) couches, beanbags, comfy chairs, etc. If possible, make hot cocoa or tea. Cookies would also be wonderful. As your students come into the classroom invite them to get themselves refreshment and then sit down. Select a section of Peter Pan to read to them, or read them an abridged version of the story.
Instruction
Step Two: Talk about the story. What were the exposition, the rising action, the climax, and the denouement? Ask them about what ingredients included in the story? Put up the overhead of “Writing a Synopsis” and explain to them that there is a process to coming up with a story, and certain things that story should contain for children’s theatre. Have them take notes. Go through each on the list, asking for examples from Peter Pan.
Step Three: Tell the students that they will be splitting up into their groups and going to the library to research the story they want to do for their Fairy Tale project. Tell them that once they settle on a story, and have come up with a way on how it is going to be twisted or unique (Old Wine in New Bottles), they will write an outline. The outline should include a basic idea of the story with exposition, rising action, climax, and denouement. It should also draw elements from all that we learned in class previously. Tell them that they should make copies of the outline to take home with them.
Step Four: Split them into their Fairy Tale groups. Take them to the library where they can research. Help them with their outlines and their inevitable artistic differences. Coach them on how they can improve their stories, and make it more fit for children, etc.
Assessment
Step Five: Return them to class, and have them turn in their outlines. Remind them of the assignment for that evening.