Creating and Sharing

Overview

This plan details two linked 30-minute drama lessons for Year 1 students in New Zealand. The focus is on the drama curriculum's key competency: Contribute and develop ideas in drama, using personal experience and imagination. The lessons engage 13 students by exploring their own experiences and encouraging imagination through collaborative drama activities. The lessons align with the New Zealand Curriculum's Drama strand for Years 0-2.

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Curriculum Links

New Zealand Curriculum (The Arts - Drama)

• Strand: Drama
• Level 1 (Years 0-2)
• Key Learning Outcome:
  • Students contribute and develop ideas in drama, using personal experience and imagination.
  • Participate in drama through role play, storytelling, and improvisation.
  • Express ideas and feelings using body language, voice, and simple dialogue.

Key Competencies Developed

• Relating to Others: Working collaboratively, sharing and responding to others' ideas.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Using verbal and non-verbal communication in drama.
• Thinking: Imaginative and creative thinking, problem solving during role-play.

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Lesson 1: Exploring Personal Experiences (30 minutes)

Learning Intentions

• Students will contribute their own experiences to create simple drama scenes.
• Students will begin using their imagination to extend personal stories.
• Students will work collaboratively to share and develop drama ideas.

Success Criteria

• Students can share a personal experience in a small group.
• Students contribute ideas to a group drama based on their experiences.
• Students use body language and voice to express ideas.

Resources

• Soft mats or carpeted area for circle time.
• A “story bag” with familiar objects or pictures (e.g., school, pets, playground).

Lesson Plan

Time	Activity	Description
0-5m	Warm-up: Name and Movement Game	Students say their name and act out a simple movement from their day (e.g., brushing teeth).
5-10m	Story Bag Sharing	Show an object/picture from the bag and invite volunteers to share a related personal story.
10-20m	Small Group Drama Creation	In groups of 3-4, students choose one story to act out. Teacher models simple role play.
20-28m	Performances	Each group shares their drama scene with the class. Simple audience etiquette discussed.
28-30m	Reflection and Feedback	Brief whole-class talk about what they enjoyed and felt during the performances.

Assessment

• Teacher observes students’ ability to share ideas and participate actively.
• Notes on students showing imagination by adding to the shared drama.
• Peer acknowledgment of contributions during reflection.

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Lesson 2: Imaginative Extensions (30 minutes)

Learning Intentions

• Students will build on personal experience dramas by imagining new endings or characters.
• Students will use voice, gesture, and facial expression to communicate ideas.
• Students will demonstrate respect and encouragement for peers’ creative ideas.

Success Criteria

• Students use imagination to create new drama content linked to personal stories.
• Students use expressive body language effectively.
• Students listen to and build on others’ ideas respectfully.

Resources

• Costume props (hats, scarves, simple dress-ups).
• Large open space for movement and role play.

Lesson Plan

Time	Activity	Description
0-5m	Warm-up: Mirror Game	Pair up; students take turns mirroring each other's movements to build focus and cooperation.
5-10m	Revisiting Previous Drama Scenes	Groups recall their original drama scene and discuss one imaginative twist or new character.
10-22m	Drama Extension Activity	Groups act out their extended scene including the new imaginative element. Using costumes.
22-28m	Sharing and Audience Questions	Groups perform, then answer simple questions about their drama ideas.
28-30m	Celebrating Creativity	Whole class shares what they liked about the imaginative extensions and teamwork.

Assessment

• Teacher notes imaginative contributions and expressive communication.
• Observation of cooperative and respectful interaction during group work.
• Use of voice and gesture to enhance drama understood.

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Teaching Considerations

• Ensure a safe, supportive environment where sharing personal stories feels comfortable.
• Use scaffolding by modelling role play and guiding imagination gently.
• Be attuned to cultural backgrounds and individual confidence levels.
• Encourage a growth mindset by praising effort and creative risk-taking.

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Reflection and Next Steps

• Use recording (audio or video) of performances (with permission) to review and celebrate student learning.
• Plan subsequent lessons to introduce simple scripted stories or explore emotions through drama.
• Engage parents/caregivers by inviting them to watch a future performance or share cultural stories.

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This two-lesson drama plan directly supports the New Zealand Curriculum's objectives for Year 1 drama. It fosters creativity, communication, and collaboration by linking children’s own lives with imaginative drama play, thoughtfully paced for young learners' needs.

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References to New Zealand Curriculum

• The Arts > Drama > Level 1: Develop confidence in sharing ideas through drama, using imagination and personal experience.
• Key Competencies: Relating to others, Using language, symbols and texts, Thinking ,【15:New Zealand Curriculum.html】