Drama and Social Studies

Do not save the drama for your momma...


 Its drama time, oh wait time for social studies, why not them both together - its time for fun!

Who says drama cannot be brought into social studies??

During the six weeks of drama, teacher candidates and I were exposed to so many different ideas that included drama and social studies (either geography, history, etc). My favourite in particular, was my groups presentation, just because I was able to see the benefits behind it when watching the students present their drama tableaus.

Students were divided into groups, these groups were their tribe, their family. Students were given a background history on Totem Poles and the culture and significance surrounding them. Students were directed to as a group, work and create a totem pole that best described their family. They were to choose a specific animal/ symbol that they felt represented them and identify the attribute connected to their animal/ symbols. Students were then directed to draw out their totem pole before even moving on to the dramatic performance. Before students began their brainstorming they were provided with this list (but not limited to the following):

Totem Pole Animals/ Symbols with their significance/ meanings:
BEAVER - Determined, Strong-willed, Builder, Dreamer, Protector
BEAR - Great Strength, Healing, Power, Courage, Teaching
DOGFISH- Persistence and Strength - A Born Leader
DRAGONFLY- Carefree, Joy, Lightness
EAGLE- Intelligence, Courage, Healing, Freedom, Creation
FROG- New Life, Cleansing, Peace, Hidden Beauty
HALIBUT- Life Protector, Strength and Stability
HAWK- Messenger, Victory, Healing, Nobility, Guardianship
HERON- Self-determined, Balanced, Calm, Present, Independent
HUMMINGBIRD- Warrior, Energy, Affection, Playfulness, Spirit Messenger
KILLER WHALE- Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good
KINGFISHER- Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility
LOON- Peace, Tranquility - Generous Giving Nature
MOON- Protector and Guardian of the Earth by Night
OTTER- Playful, Dynamic, Helpfulness, Sharing, Love of Young, Loyal Friendship
OWL- Wisdom, Mystery, Secrets, Vision
RAVEN- Magical, Courageous, Knowledge
SALMON- Proud, Intense, Confident, Determined, Spiritual Desire
SEAL- Love, Creativity, Good Luck, Bright, Inquisitive
SUN- Healing Energy, Guardian of the Earth by Day
THUNDERBIRD-Powerful and Mystical - A Leader
WOLF-Intelligence and Leadership, Loyalty, Success, Spirit, Strong Sense of Family

** The list was used to assist students who felt they needed it.

Here are a few of the drawings that teacher candidates and their group completed when brainstorming their family's totem poles:




 The activity then continued, after the brainstorming.

  • Students used their drawing to help them pose and used their bodies to act out the various unique animals/ symbols that made up their totem poles.
  • Students were instructed to freeze as to how the animal/symbol would be. Students were encouraged to think of and use unique poses/positions to represent the animals that made up their totem poles.
  • The teacher circulated the frozen/ still image and thought tapped students. This was their opportunity to share at least one line stating the importance of their animal to their family totem pole.
  • Students then shared with the class why their group chose certain symbols/poses to dramatically act out their totem pole. As well groups will explain what their totem pole story is.

    This activity worked very well with the class and was a clear sign to me that bringing drama into such an important part of the history of The First Nations people of Canada had more benefits than just reading and reflecting. Students were able to act as the animals or symbols, making them feel a part of the totem pole, thus helping them understand the importance it has in history.

    Another activity we did in class which is tied directly to social studies and the history between the first encounters of the Europeans and First Nations people was very effective. Teacher candidates were divided into groups and asked to document how they would feel as one of the groups and how they would envision the other group thought of them. After documenting the feelings they attributed to each group the groups were asked to provide three different tableaus based on them.


    Another activity, in relation to First Nations was the freezing of the beginning, middle and end of these groups encountering each other. These tableaus were powerful and many of the teacher candidates were able to identify the individuals from First Nations through their frozen position and levels.


    Other activities students can do through drama are acting as the role of a certain individual in history, a president, a celebrity, a role model, etc and performing an interview with a peer. Students will have to study the background and history of that individual and at the same time student the individuals mannerisms, attitude and appearance to act as them. Students will adapt into the role of the individual and could either replay an event that already happened in history or reflect back on one as that individual.
    Below are two articles/ resources on the importance of drama in schools today. Please take a read and see that drama is just as important as science. It teaches kids more than one would think and these articles will tell you exactly what that is!


    Thanks for following me along! See you at my next post!

    Emily



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