6.20.2015

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.

There are many different types of scripts available, from comedies and tragedies to musicals. Some are original and others are adaptations of well known stories. They vary in length and some are short enough to fit easily into a lesson. Children are always very responsive when it comes to comedy and some of the best scripts, especially for small children, are the funny ones.

Shorter ones are easily performed within the classroom. No memorization, fancy costumes, special lighting effects or backdrops are really necessary. Scripts are simply held by the pupils and they focus on presenting the words in a clear voice with gestures. For example, children may be required to act as certain historical characters and play out a scene that actually took place.

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.

Pupils all have differing abilities and a play gives everyone an opportunity to find expression, especially those who find academic learning difficult. Drama also helps children who are withdrawn or shy an opportunity to come out of their shells. Everyone forgets their shyness or lack of confidence when participating in drama.

It also encourages working together with others in a group. Each pupil learns how to appreciate the input of someone else and they have to learn to give each one a chance for expression. This is an essential skill to master in preparation for life. Pupils learn to encourage one another, share and participate together in a fun activity that benefits them all.

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.

Participating in a play increases confidence, allows pupils to express themselves and gives them many life skills. The power of drama in learning cannot be underestimated. Inspire, entertain, teach and have fun with some good play scripts. Everyone benefits from including drama in learning.




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