Putting a Play Together!

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Using chart paper create a word bank with the title, “Drama: Plays.” Write the following words on the word bank as you read them: Scene, act, characters, script, parenthesis, colon, dialogue.
• Tell the students that these words are parts of plays and that we can find them when we read a play.
• Using a suggested play or a play that you select, show the students how they can find each part of the play. As you point to each part, explain that purpose. If desired, you can draw a symbol or quick illustration next to each word to give students an additional reference for support.
• Explain that there are also parts of a play that include characters or objects.
• Continuing your word bank, add the following words to your list: actress/actor, playwright, star, audience, costumes, rehearsal.
• As before, demonstrate the parts that these individuals have within a play and if desired, draw a symbol or quick picture next to each word.

Guided Practice

• Distribute supplemental vocabulary word cards, giving one to each student.
• Using a play of choice, invite students to find parts of the play that match their vocabulary word cards.
• Guide students through the process of identifying the parts of the play and explaining each vocabulary word that is related to drama and plays.

Independent working time

• Ask students to complete the What’s in a Play? worksheet. (Students will tell why certain play components are important and give an example.)
• Circulate around the room and provide support, as needed.