Character Design & Story

Unit Context

This lesson is Lesson 2 of 4 in the unit "Puppets in Our Community," designed for Year 2-7 students. It focuses on collaboratively creating puppet characters representing community members or historical figures and developing a short story or scenario that their puppet will portray.

Duration

80 minutes

Class Size

7 students

Curriculum Alignment

This lesson plan aligns with the South Australian Curriculum: The Arts - Drama, specifically targeting drama outcomes for Years 2-7 at differentiated levels. The lesson draws on core elements from the following curriculum codes and elaborations:

Year 2-3 Focus: Using elements of drama and imagination in dramatic play (AC9ADR2D01)
Year 4-5 Focus: Developing characters and situations to shape and sustain dramatic action (AC9ADR6C01)
Year 6-7 Focus: Improvising and devising drama manipulating elements and conventions to shape dramatic action and convey ideas (AC9ADR8C01)

Cross-cutting understandings include character creation, narrative structure, collaboration, and reflection on performance choices.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Create original puppet characters representing community members or historical figures with clear, articulated character traits (character development) .
Outline and structure a simple narrative or scenario involving their puppet character focusing on beginning, middle, and end (narrative structure) .
Demonstrate collaborative skills by sharing ideas and providing feedback during brainstorming and story development activities .
Use appropriate drama terminology such as role, situation, and character to describe their work .

Resources Needed

Drawing paper, coloured pencils, markers
Character trait charts (simple adjectives and prompts)
Storyboard templates (three boxes: Beginning, Middle, End)
Sample images of community members and historical figures
Puppet examples or photos
Whiteboard and markers
Timer or clock

Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Links
0-10 min	Warm-up and introduction	Brief circle discussion: What is a puppet? What kinds of characters can puppets be? Show examples of puppets representing community members/historical figures. Set context for the unit.	Use drama elements for familiar contexts (AC9ADR2D01_E4, E6)
10-25 min	Brainstorming character ideas	Students brainstorm and discuss possible characters. Prompt with questions: "Who helps in our community?", "Who is important in history?", "What are their qualities?" Use a shared whiteboard or chart for ideas.	Developing characters and situations (AC9ADR6C01_E1)
25-40 min	Character design drawing	Each student designs their puppet character on paper, incorporating physical features and character traits discussed. Use character trait charts to aid vocabulary and depth. Encourage creativity and cultural sensitivity.	Using imagination and arts knowledge to develop ideas (AC9ADRFD01_E2) ; Character development (AC9ADR6C01)
40-55 min	Story outline - narrative structure	Introduce storyboard template. Guide students to outline a short story or scenario for their character: setting, problem or event, resolution. Model examples collaboratively. Stress clear beginning, middle, end.	Shaping dramatic action and narrative development (AC9ADR8C01_E1, E2)
55-70 min	Peer sharing and feedback	Students pair up to share their puppet design and story outline. Use simple feedback prompts like: What do you like? What would you like to know more about? Facilitate use of drama terms.	Collaboration and constructive feedback to develop drama (AC9ADR8D02_E2, E6)
70-80 min	Group reflection and wrap-up	Gather whole group for reflection: What did you learn about your character? Why is your character important? How does your story show who they are? Teacher models summarising using drama terms.	Reflecting on drama to inform choices (AC9ADR8D02)

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment will be formative and ongoing, focusing on:

Student engagement and participation during brainstorming and discussion.
Use of character traits and imaginative detail in puppet character design.
Development of coherent narrative structure in story outline.
Ability to use simple drama language and terminology when discussing characters and stories.
Collaboration and constructive feedback skills demonstrated in peer interaction.

Teachers can use observation checklists during activities and review completed character drawings and storyboards as evidence. Reflection time allows verbal assessment of understanding.

Differentiation

For younger or less confident students (Year 2-3), provide simplified character trait lists and scaffolded story templates (e.g., fill-in-the-blank prompts).
For older or more advanced students (Year 6-7), encourage deeper character motivation exploration and more complex narrative elements, including conflict or multiple perspectives.
Use culturally responsive prompts and materials reflecting the diverse Australian community and respect for First Nations peoples.

Extensions and Cross-Curriculum Links

English: Develop descriptive writing skills through character profiles and story scripts.
History: Research historical figures in Australian communities.
Visual Arts: Create 3D puppets from recycled materials in following lessons.
Personal and Social Capability: Develop empathy and understanding of community roles through character empathy exercises.

Teacher Tips for 'Wow' Impact

Use props or digital images to spark imagination at the start.
Incorporate drama "viewpoints" questioning techniques when discussing character motivation ("Why does this character do that? What might they be thinking?") as recommended in higher-level elaborations .
Capture students’ brainstorming on a shared digital whiteboard or tablet for dynamic engagement.
Record short student presentations or puppet pitches to build confidence and provide multimodal assessment opportunities.

This plan provides a structured yet flexible approach to encourage students’ creativity, develop storytelling skills, and deepen their understanding of community through drama, fully aligned with South Australia's curriculum expectations for Years 2-7 drama learning.

If you need, I can also prepare detailed printable resources and student worksheets for this lesson.

Teaching Instructions