Creating Characters

Learning Objective

Students will learn how to develop and express a character using voice, body language, and imagination in a short dramatic activity.

Aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum (2007) Drama Learning Area for Year 5 (Level 2), specifically:

• Achievement Objective: Participate in drama activities to explore feelings, ideas, and cultural stories (Drama, Level 2, AO1).
• Key Competencies: Managing self (focus and self-motivation), relating to others (listening and responding), and thinking (imagination and creativity).

Lesson Duration

15 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Lesson Outline

Starter Activity (3 minutes):

Warm-up and Imagination Exercise

• Gather the class in a circle.
• Lead a quick warm-up to energise students (e.g., shaking out limbs, stretches).
• Guide students through a brief imagination prompt: "Close your eyes. Imagine you are a character who is a helpful animal living in the New Zealand bush. How do you move? How do you feel?"
• Ask students to share one word or action that shows their character’s feeling or movement.

Main Activity (10 minutes):

Character Creation and Freeze Frame

1. Explain the Task (2 minutes):

   • Students will create a character based on an animal or person, focusing on how their character moves and feels.
   • They will express this through their body and voice.

2. Solo Character Work (4 minutes):

   • Students find a space in the room.
   • Using imagination, they choose their character and decide how to show its feelings and personality through posture, facial expression, and sound (no speaking lines necessary, just sounds or gestures).

3. Freeze Frame Sharing (4 minutes):

   • Students take turns to “freeze” in character for the class.
   • The teacher or a peer describes what they see – e.g., "I see a shy, small bird who moves carefully."
   • Encourage students to notice how body language and voice express feelings.

Reflection and Assessment (2 minutes):

• Ask students to reflect: "How did you show your character’s feelings?" "What did you learn about using your body and voice in drama?"
• Teacher observes and notes participation and ability to physically express character, providing immediate positive feedback.
• Optionally, students can give one positive comment about a peer’s character.

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Teaching Notes

• The focus is on physical and vocal expression, not verbal storytelling.
• Manage timing closely to keep the lesson within 15 minutes.
• Encourage inclusivity by allowing shy students to express through body language or small sounds.

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Curriculum Alignment Summary

New Zealand Curriculum Reference	Description
The Arts > Drama > Level 2 Achievement Objective AO1	Participate in drama activities to explore ideas/feelings
Key Competencies: Managing Self, Relating to Others, Thinking	Encourages imagination, cooperation, and self-expression

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This lesson plan offers a compact, engaging drama experience building foundational acting skills suitable for Year 5 students in New Zealand, following curriculum guidelines closely.

If you would like, I can develop this into a more detailed multi-lesson unit or provide suggestions for extensions!