Session 4: Characterisation and Sectarianism

PDF file: Drama lesson ideas

Session outline:

• Recap of previous lesson.
• Pupils explore the roles of the protagonist, any followers and the victim in the newspaper article. There will be a need to select an article about sectarianism that lends itself to this exercise. The possible history of each character, including their family, is discussed.
• In groups the children jot down how they imagine a day in the life of the above, from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep. This includes details about their influences, friends, family, work, pastimes and other interactions.
• The children follow the various emotions of the characters.
• The children choose one member of the group to become the protagonist. The protagonist is hot-seated by the others to fully understand their emotions and feelings.
• The children then choose another member to become the victim, who is hot-seated in the same manner. This is repeated for any followers involved in the story.
• The teacher monitors the class dynamics and guides the childrens to the next section.
• The characters then face each other for an 'in-role' debate facilitated by the teacher.
• The teacher reiterates that the children are in-role.
• The teacher concludes the session with a discussion about what has been learnt about sectarianism and characterisation, and how this will be of use to them for the project.

Learning 0utcomes - by the end of the session children will (lesson 4):

• Develop reading skills, research note-taking (newspaper articles).
• M & M - movement appropriately in space.
• Investigating - use language in movement, space and other resources in new and invented ways.
• Using language - show awareness of audience.

Extension activity

• Pupils jot down what they have done in their journal.

HEALTH WARNING!

• Be aware of class dynamics.
• The teacher needs to be able to move freely around the class to support each individual.
• Be aware of language.
• Create a positive atmosphere.