Jamie Cox

EDRG 4020

Comprehension Strategy

Drama Centers in the Classroom

Purpose: To activate construction of meaning & students’ affective engagement in making meaning of text. Use of Drama Centers in the classroom provide opportunities for more improvational interaction with text as opposed to the more formal scripting of activities such as readers theatre & play production.

Suggestions for Drama Centers:

• Narrator- mime: One student retells the story in their own words while the others act it out.
• What’s my mime?: Small group pantomimes text. Other students identity what they are acting out.
• Character interviews: One student ‘interviews’ others who must respond as the characters they represent.
• Mock trial: Characters that cause conflict in the story are put on trial. Students role play lawyers, witnesses, judge & jury.
• Argue- Resolve: Students take sides related to conflict within the story & debate the issues.
• Improvision: Students assume roles from the story & improvise the retelling the story (use action, dialogue & props).

Steps in implementing Drama Centers:

1. Identify a Dramamtization format
2. Explain & model the format
3. Make expectations clear
4. Allow time for creative play & practice
5. Provide opportunities for performance
6. Self-monitor (provide a clear feedback form)

Example of a Drama Center Expectations Chart:

1. Reread the book/text.
2. Decide what roles are needed.
3. Assign roles.
4. Discuss actions.
5. Decide if props are needed.
6. Gather materials.
7. Practice the action & dialogue.
8. Work together.
9. Present your work to the teacher.
10. Decide if you want to perform for others.
11. Fill in a feedback form.