Minds On
Time to warm up!
Don’t forget to do your safety check!
Warm Up
Warm up
Find a comfortable position. It’s time to breathe like a dragon. Take a deep breath in, and when you breathe out through your mouth, pretend that you are breathing out fire. Breathe out fast, letting the air swish.
Access this audio recording entitled “Dragon Breathing Warm-Up” to experience a guided warm-up.
Dragon Breathing Warm-Up
Let’s get started!
Explore the following photos. What do you notice? What do you wonder?
Action
Get ready, get set…
How do we pretend?
In drama, we learn how to pretend to be characters.
Press ‘Characters’ to access a definition of the word characters.
Characters are the people and/or animals in a drama. In a play, actors learn about their character’s thoughts and feelings. Then, they act out their character by choosing how that character would move and/or speak. The actor might wear a specific costume and use props to help the audience understand their character.
These pretend characters can be part of a drama story, a play, or from our own imagination.
How can someone pretend to be a character? They can express themselves as their character using their face, body, and/or voice.
Press the following tabs to access the ways someone can express themselves.
Gestures: What type of gestures would the character use?
If a character is happy, they might share their feelings in different ways.
They might use gestures or body movements.
Press ‘Gesture’ to access a definition of the word gesture.
A gesture is created when someone moves their body in a specific way to express an idea. For example, someone might wave to say hello.
They might clap their hands. Access this video to experience a hand clapping gesture.
Movement: How might the character move?
They might dance. Access this video to examine a dance movement.
Facial Expressions: They might change the expression on their face to share their feelings.
How might a character show they are happy?
They might smile or open their eyes and mouth wide. Access this video to explore a smiling facial expression.
Volume: Volume is how loud or quiet a character makes their voice.
They might use a big, loud voice when they are happy. Access this video to explore a child pretending to roar.
What are other ways that a character can show that they are happy?
How else could they use their body, face, and voice?
Brainstorm and share your ideas with a partner. Act it out, tell it, record an audio clip or draw a picture.
Props
We can also use props to help us pretend to be a character.
Press ‘Prop’ to access a definition of the word prop.
A prop is an object used, held, or touched by a character in a drama.
A prop might be a box, a basket, a hat, or a stuffed animal.
What kinds of props do you notice in the following images?
Go!
Explore the following Cutie Pugs video segment entitled “Magic Show Segment #1” to examine Dee Dee preparing for a magic show.
How does Dee Dee get ready to start pretending? Press ‘Answer’ to learn how Dee Dee gets ready.
Dee Dee opens up her magic kit and puts on a hat and a cape.
Continue to explore the Cutie Pugs video segment entitled “Magic Show Segment #2” to examine Dee Dee doing magic.
What is Dee Dee’s character's name? Who is she pretending to be? Where are Dee Dee and the pug puppies?
Press ‘Answer’ to learn about who Dee Dee’s character is and where the show is happening.
Dee Dee’s character name is “Dazzling Dee Dee.” She is a magician. Dee Dee and the pug puppies are in Dee Dee’s home.
Does Dee Dee use her body, face, and voice to help her pretend? Press ‘Answer’ to learn how Dee Dee uses her body, face, and voice.
Dee Dee smiles and uses hand gestures during her performance. She uses a loud voice so that the audience can understand her.
How does Dee Dee use her props? Press ‘Answer’ to learn how Dee Dee uses her props.
Dee Dee uses her hat and her wand to do magic tricks.
How do Dee Dee’s parents react? Press ‘Answer’ to learn how Dee Dee’s parents behave in the audience.
Dee Dee’s parents smile and clap their hands. They encourage Dee Dee and are good audience members.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Select a prop from the following carousel.
It’s time to imagine yourself as a character. Think about one of the props.
What could your character be doing using this prop?
Think about how you could you use your body, facial expressions, and/or voice to pretend. Ready, set, go!
Act it: Act out what your character might do using your body, facial expressions, and/or voice.
Tell it: Tell a friend why your character needs their prop.
Record it: Record a description of what your character is doing today.
Draw it: Draw a picture of your character using their prop.
Portfolio
Drama portfolio
Two stars and a wish
Consider adding the answers to the following reflection questions to your drama portfolio.
- Think of two things you did well today or learned today. These are your stars.
- Think of one thing you would like to practise. This is your wish.
Share your two stars and a wish with a friend, if possible.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.