Drama Structures Practical Handbook [Paperback]

Cecily O'Neill (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0748701915 | ISBN-13: 978-0748701919 | Publication Date: April 30, 1990

This is a teacher's manual, providing fifteen developing lesson structures on different themes involving the pupils in a whole range of drama and learning activities. Notes on practical teaching problems and possible developments for each sequence are given on facing pages. Two further sections of the book provide a simple theoretical framework for drama teaching, and consider some key strategies. This book is for both non-specialists and drama teachers who want to develop their work further. It will be of value to all teachers using drama approaches and strategies in the school curriculum.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Stanley Thornes (April 30, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0748701915
• ISBN-13: 978-0748701919
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,110,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Drama Teacher should be without this book!, July 16, 2000

By 

Victoria (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drama Structures Practical Handbook (Paperback)

Drama Structures is an excellent tool that I believe all teachers of Dramatic Arts should be familiar with. This book provides a teacher not only with a flexible manual of how to approach many different issues or topics, but it also equips teachers with the knowledge of how to develop the units further.

Drama Structures is divided up into 4 easy to read sections. Part One focuses on "Drama in Schools: What is Drama?" It Includes information on Drama and the curriculum, the Drama Teacher, and modes of activity. It outlines the reasons we do what we do in the classroom, the type of work that we do, and how to implement creative ideas in our own classrooms.

Part Two puts the Drama Structures into practice using four fully developed lesson plans. The structures are all based on historical and/ or information packed topics and issues that include "The Way West," "Leaving Home," "The Lost Valley," and "The Victorians." These units are designed so that a teacher can develop as little or as much of the structure as they wish, thereby deepening the learning and meaning for all involved participants. Each of these structures include an introduction to the topic and a list of resources for the teacher to investigate. The structures use many of the drama conventions to enhance different types of learners in the classroom: Whole group activities, small group activities, pair work, and individual work. Upon completion of all the exercises found in a structure, the student will have a solid understanding of the chosen topic they are investigating.

Part Three describes issues in "Teaching Drama." This section is directed toward the teacher and offers discussion on planning, using theatre elements, working in role, questioning, discussion and reflection, evaluations and assessment, and other practical considerations.

Part Four is entitled "Structures for Development." This section is subdivided further into three subsections; "Drama as enquiry." This section focuses on why certain people behave as they do; "Small Group Work." This can be used as a good basis on how to get a drama started or to shape new ideas of the topic; "Drama across the curriculum." This section illuminates particular areas of the curriculum and describes how to introduce drama approaches to an inexperienced class.

A lesson commentary is given for each structure found in this book. Furthermore, additional notes and comments are found with every activity presented to the teacher. This book allows for each teacher to individually tailor to the needs of their own classrooms as the structures are extremely adaptable. No dramatic arts teacher should be without the knowledge of this book.