ABSTRACT
Book Title – Drama and Reading for Meaning Ages 4–11: A Practical Book of Ideas for Primary Teachers
Chapter Author – Larraine S Harrison
Chapter Number & Title – Chapter 10, WHOLE GROUP DRAMA: THE INSIDE STORY
This chapter looks at how whole group drama works to motivate and engage children aged 7–11 from within a story, providing an imaginary experience that creates a personal relationship with a text. The activities need to be adapted to suit the particular context of a story but most follow the basic three-part whole group drama pattern of context, problem, reflection. Links to reading for meaning include: emotional engagement with stories; researching information texts; empathy; identifying themes; authorial intent and viewpoints; comparisons across texts; characters’ thoughts, feelings, motives and problems; different perspectives; interpreting meaning; conversations about books; justifying opinions on texts. Activities include an overview of whole group drama; dramatic play; an extra scene; stepping into history books; giving advice; and creating a similar experience.
