aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Drama
What age group	Reception / Kindergarten
What topic	Using picture books to make drama
Quantity	1
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Drama Lesson Introduction: Bringing Picture Books to Life

Lesson Topic: Using Picture Books to Make Drama

Objective:

The purpose of this lesson is to use picture books as a springboard for creative drama, enabling young learners to express their ideas and emotions through role-playing and storytelling.

Introduction Activity: "Story Stomp"

Description:

Begin the lesson with an exciting activity called "Story Stomp." This engaging warm-up exercise will help students connect to the theme of using picture books for drama.

Materials Needed:

• A well-known picture book (e.g., Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak)
• Music player (for ambient sound)

Steps:

1. Gather the Students: Invite the children to sit in a circle, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Hold up the picture book and ask them if they know this story or if they have read it before. Engage them with a few questions, such as:

   • What do you think this story is about?
   • Who is your favourite character?

2. Introduce the Soundtrack: Play a gentle instrumental background music, creating an immersive environment. Explain that today, they will transform the story into a drama using movements and sounds.

3. Story Stomp: Tell the students that you’ll read a short excerpt from the picture book. After each phrase or sentence, encourage them to use their bodies to act out the story's central action or feeling. For example:

   • When you say "The wild things roared," the children can stomp like wild creatures.
   • As you say "Max sailed across the sea," they can wiggle their arms like waves.

4. Reflection: After you finish the excerpt, pause the music and ask, “How did it feel to become the characters? What did you enjoy most about using your body to tell the story?” Encourage them to share their thoughts while connecting their dramatic expressions back to the picture book.

Conclusion:

This lively introduction not only sets the tone for the lesson but also fosters a sense of imagination and excitement, preparing the children for deeper exploration of drama through picture books. By engaging their bodies and voices in the "Story Stomp," they will naturally transition into creating their own dramatic interpretations as the lesson unfolds.

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Note to Teachers:

Be sure to choose a picture book that resonates with your class, and adapt the movements to suit the children’s energy levels and understanding. The goal is to cultivate a love for storytelling and drama in a fun and playful way!