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  • 1.  Multi-grade level Theatre Arts

    Posted 03-20-2025 12:19

    Hello! 
    I was a middle school English teacher for 20+ years…. But next year I'm trying something new:  THEATRE ARTS! A homeschool co-op has hired me to teach the course.  

    I have the usual suspects for my units of study: theatre history, terminology, monologue, Shakespeare, improv……   with performances at the end of both semesters. 

    However, creating a standards-based curriculum, syllabus, and lessons is proving to be challenging: the students will range from 5th grade to 12th grade- in the same class. 😬 


    Any suggestions, advice, tips, examples, or resources would be SO welcomed. 

    Thank you!
    -PJ 



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    Pamela Zagzebski
    WI
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  • 2.  RE: Multi-grade level Theatre Arts

    Posted 03-21-2025 17:13

    I recommend Drama Notebook which provides a wealth of Drama Lesson plans for theatre educators.  Look in their Lesson Library.  Here's the link:  

    https://www.dramanotebook.com/



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    Hans Offenfrish
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  • 3.  RE: Multi-grade level Theatre Arts

    Posted 03-24-2025 11:17
    When I began teaching drama, I had knowledge from a degree program, but my classes only met weekly so I focused on improv. Get Viola Spolin's book and use her exercises. Adjust as necessary. They help get kids onboard before you do deep dives into the classics or theatre history or directing.



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  • 4.  RE: Multi-grade level Theatre Arts

    Posted 03-21-2025 17:13
    Pamela,

    Congrats on the new job!  I would recommend you spend time getting to know the National Core Arts Standards and let them inform your work.

    I especially love the 4 strands for all arts education in NCAS: 
    1. Creating
    2. Performing
    3. Responding
    4 Connecting

    I believe that many arts teachers focus on the first two of the strands, to the detriment of the latter two.  Using the standards ensures an arts education with more depth and breadth (and will help with your questions about your curriculum planning.)


    I don't know how many times a week you meet with students (and for how long, how big your classes are, etc.) but I might encourage you not to promise a performance at the end of the first semester.  If you take time to build ensemble, capacity, trust, vocabulary and performing skills, your 2nd semester performance, to me, would be a lot easier for you and for your students.

    Have a wonderful time- you are starting a fantastic journey!

    Joanna 
    Washington DC





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