2nd GRADE DRAMA

Fall - Fairy Tale Imaginative Play & Ensemble Building

Big Question: How is imaginitive play similar and different to performance?

Students started the year in drama taking part in a series of guided imaginative play scenarios inspired by fairy tales. Each scenario had them exploring character, devising plot points, learning to use physical space to tell a story, and working together as an ensemble towards a shared goal. For example, in one scenario, students had to help a forgetful witch remember her spell in order to save her beloved cat. Together they cast spells, chased blind mice, and went on a treasure a hunt to help her out.

Winter - Lunar New Year Play

Big Question: How do we interpret and honor stories from around the world through performance?

After building ensemble and exploring fairy tales, 2nd grade began preparing for their play. This year, they performed the Lunar New Year zodiac story. In rehearsals, students took part in a variety of movement exercises to experiment with how their animal character moved in contrast to others depending on their size, shape, and personality. They also focused on physical awareness in order to be seen and heard by an audience. While preparing for the performance, students learned about Lunar New Year traditions around the world. For instance, with their middle school buddies, they created yellow and red paper lanterns to decorate the performance space for their play. They also each made a red paper horse. In February, they performed for a morning Primary assembly and an afternoon audience of MP&MS community members.

Spring - Shadow Play of the African Folktale Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan

Big Question: How do our imaginations, bodies, and voices work together with simple objects to tell stories?

For their final project, students created a shadow puppet play of the African folktale Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan. After hearing the story, they worked together to cast the show based on individual preference. Each student made a flappy-winged bird puppet featuring simple mechanics. Throughout the project they explored how shadow and light impact the interpretation of character by an audience.

Student Reflections

I really liked the Lunar New Year Play because it was really fun to do. My advice for an incoming 2nd grader would be you shouldn’t be scared doing the play because it might turn out fun in the end. 

I liked the Lunar New Year play because it was my first play. 

I liked making bird puppets because it was fun to see how they work.

I liked making the puppets because I like arts and crafts and I also liked the play because I like acting.