Drama

Why Study Drama?

Although we may not study drama constantly, or even as a separate subject usually,I decided to consider drama as a separate subject with a view to focusing on the subject's potential:

- As an aid to communication
- In order to better understand other people's lives/ points of view

Dangers with using Drama?

As with all literature, it is wise to use discernment. Even with Shakespeare (often considered the finest literature in the English language) you will find elements of 'bad language', sex and violence, as well as - more commonly - the subtle introduction of values and ideas contrary to God's Word. At the very least, any study of dramatic literature should include an element of discussion/ comparison with what the Bible has to say on the given subject.

Method

With a little encouragement, the reading and performing of plays, as well as writing their own plays for performance, will hopefully grow and develop out of the role-play that children take part in naturally, imitating the world around them.

Later on, we hope to be able to study historical plays, including Shakespeare and, for example, Greek tragedies and so on, alongside our study of History.

Some Themes for Drama

Here are some themes or areas we may try and cover in our study of drama:

* Comedy * Drama * Tragedy * Different Emotions: joy, sorrow, anger, jealousy, confusion, love, hatred, guilt, compassion, indifference, etc. * Different characteristics: Mannerisms, voices and accents * Stagecraft: Costume & Make-up, Scenery, Sound Effects, Music, Lighting, Direction, Photography * Miming & silence * Fairy-tales in Play form * Bible Stories * etc.

Press-out finger puppet Bible stories published by Lamb Press - and/ or other drama resources from your local Christian bookshop or try Wesley Owen
"The Mighty Acts of God" from Doorposts
"Armor of God" patterns for costumes, also from Doorposts

Information/ Communication Technology