Primary Projects
Primary Projects

Activity 5

Writing a Script From Diary Texts

Task - Whole day - 

Resources - Group diary texts, examples of scripts.

Learning Objectives:

Listening and Responding:

  • Identify how language varies according to context and purpose.

Drama:

  • Use role play and improvisation to explore character in depth.
  • Use drama techniques to explore diaries.
  • Work collaboratively to devise and present a scripted piece.

Word Structure and spelling:

  • Convert 1st person perspective diaries into 2nd person perspective scripts.
  • Identify the difference between narrative and play scripts.

Creating and Shaping Text:

  • Using a range of narrative techniques to engage the reader.
  • Write and present text with a specified purpose

NC Reference:

En 3 Writing -

1a, 1d, 2a, 2b, 2c, 6a, 8, 11, 12 (playscripts)

ICT -

2a, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5b

 

The Task - Part 1

This is the final task of these phases and uses the knowledge and understanding gained throughout the sessions to inform the process. It is important that all the build up work is accessible to the children for them to refer to (the settings maps, bodies containing character traits, “tell me” grids etc). These can be placed around the space.

Discuss the rules of writing a playscript: (get children to identify these rules and record on white board)

Give each group 10 minutes to discuss their ideas on how to turn their diary text into a script. Each group should have a large piece of paper and chunky pens. As a whole class share the thoughts of each group.  Explain that the groups will now work independently to write 2 short scenes from their diaries. The scenes can be from any point within the texts, perhaps a significant point would be most poignant. Remind them to refer to all the previous work they have done to inform character and setting. Work with lower ability group on this task.

Share the scripts in the plenary. Do not ask them to perform,  read them out and allow class to respond.

Part 2  larger space required

Finish the scripts where necessary.  Warm up the class with some drama games to focus them. Groups need to decide who is directing and who is acting, allow 3 minutes to decide this. Explain that the class need to remember where they would like an audience to be and to keep this in mind when acting out the scenes. Groups begin to rehearse their scripts. Remind the groups of the work at the very beginning of the sessions on image. What were the underlying feelings behind the texts? How can the children express this through the language they use in their scripts? How will you show the characters personality?

Explain to the children that at the end of the session we will video our scenes and upload them onto the Blog. The class will also write up their rough scripts and present those on the Blog.

As a plenary the children will have a chance to view each others work on the Blog and evaulate through peer assessment.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Children will devise scripts relating to their diary texts.
  • Children will perform scripted scenes and these will be recorded on video.
  • Children will upload scripts onto Blog site.
  • Children will upload videos onto Blog site.
  • Children evaluate their work and others on the Blog site.