Having trouble logging in? Some users have reported difficulties following a site update. If this includes you, please email help@plazoom.com so we can get you up and running.
Making great literacy lessons easy. Why join Plazoom?
Login
by Ruth Baker-Leask
1
Using drama to teach narrative
2
Mastering role on the wall and hot seating
3
Mastering conscience alley
4
Mastering freeze framing and thought tracking
5
Understanding characters by putting them on trial
6
Exploring texts through reader’s theatre and Whoosh
7
The power of role play
8
Explore texts with guided tours, voice overs and soundscapes
9
Writing in role
10
10 ways to understand narrative through drama
Unit 5
15:04
View Course Materials
Putting book characters on trial is an excellent way for older primary pupils to explore their motives, and also to consider some of the more complex themes in a story - good vs. evil, sacrifice, injustice, etc. Having established how to introduce your class to the concept, Ruth Baker-Leask highlights why it’s important to choose a character who is ambiguous in some way - either in their character traits or actions, so there is plenty to deliberate in the trial. To support you in using this technique in your classroom, Ruth provides a list of crimes that could be committed and a list of book characters who may be guilty of committing these crimes - abduction in the BFG, for example. We see how to structure a trial, including making decisions such as which other characters might be called for the defence or prosecution, leading up to a verdict and sentence. It’s recommended that children first watch a real court in session so they better understand how the process operates. As with many of the drama activities in this series, we’re shown how putting characters on trial has many benefits when it comes to helping children access a text on a deeper level.
.pptx file
.pdf file
Ruth Baker-Leask
Former headteacher Ruth is now an independent education advisor, supporting schools, trusts and other organisations across the UK. She is currently chair of the National Association of Advisors in English (NAAE), an associate consultant for the National Literacy Trust (NLT) and a member of The United Kingdom Literacy Association's (UKLA) awards and members committee.
Ruth demonstrates a range of drama and role-play teaching approaches for Year 1-Year 6, showing how important drama is in connecting children to narrative by eliciting personal responses as well as supporting children in developing a deeper understanding of the relationships between characters, making inferences from their actions.
View Next Unit
Learn new techniques, refresh your knowledge or train your team with our complete library of online courses.
Teaching strategies
by Christine Chen and Lindsay Pickton
Lessons In Action
by James Clements
by Shareen Wilkinson
by Sue Drury
by Rachel Clarke
Click 'Upgrade now' to activate your subscription. An invoice will appear on your accounts page and be sent by email. Once paid, the benefits of your full account will be unlocked within five days.