Drama and role play
Drama can play a spontaneous part in lessons, be a focal element in part of the course, or take the central role in a topic. It can be done by groups or the whole class.
Drama works best if it is set in a specific historical context. There are three strands involved:
- the identity/roles of the people involved in the situation;
- the time and place of the events;
- a focus or issue that concerned the people involved.
Before you begin, decide what sort of historical learning you hope to achieve.
An historical resource such as a story, document, picture or artefact can provide a good starting focus for drama.
Some drama strategies
- Teacher in role
- Hot-seating
- Making maps or plans
- Still image
- Overheard conversations
- Forum theatre
- Counsellors giving advice
- Meetings
See also:
Videos and audio files of a teacher at work (John Fines)
The (out of print) publication Teaching Primary History, Chapter 15, pp. 193-199. There's quite a bit of material from this book on this website.