Finding Short Plays For The Classroom

By Freida Michael


When children take part in a play, they come alive and they can learn so much from the experience. Today there are many short plays for the classroom available from online sources. They can easily be incorporated into the curriculum. Learning is made fun and each one is written to appeal to a specific age group. Pupils participate actively instead of just listening to the teacher and this encourages the development of all kinds of skills.

If a teacher has a very specific type of play in mind, there are various ways an online search can be refined. The age of pupils, the type and style of play, number of parts are some of the selections offered. Some are more suitable for very young children and others for a teenage audience. The most popular scripts, particularly for younger children, are those that make them laugh.

Many of these scripts work well without a stage, props or special costumes. The children do not have to learn the lines but simply read them instead. They learn to add expression to what they are saying and perform hand gestures. At times, simple costumes and a few props may be included but this is not essential. There is nothing like learning history by performing the roles of historical characters and acting out what happened in the past.

In the context of a play, children can also explore challenging issues they face in daily life. By using the play as a vehicle, the situation loses its personal, scary aspect. The children can then understand the issues better and translate this understanding into real life. Bullying, greed and honesty are just some themes relevant to children in primary school that may be explored in such scripts.

When participating in a play, even the most shy, withdrawn pupils can be drawn in. It is a wonderful way to include them and before they know it, they have developed more self confidence. Children who battle academically often find great creative expression in drama too.

Group activities are an important part of learning. Drama encourages working together to achieve a certain result. Children learn how to encourage and support one another in their performances. They learn what it feels like to share together and respect one another to make the whole experience work well and achieve the right effect.

Another benefit is the way this can stimulate creative expression. They learn to express themselves clearly and confidently in front of other pupils. They learn how to adapt their gestures and facial expressions according to the words being spoken. They learn how to express sadness, happiness, fear, joy and all the range of emotions.

Some scripts have only a few roles and the rest of the pupils are required to sit and listen carefully. Others require participation of many and there are some where many of the children form a responsive chorus. Whatever the form of the play, the benefits are unquestionable. This is a wonderful way to learn, develop creative expression and be entertained at the same time.




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