Communication Scheme of Work
This scheme of work introduces students to the evolution of communication methods across various time periods, different cultures and in difficult environments. Exercises explore communication problems associated with disabilities, along with situations where miscommunication can easily occur. The subject is explored using drama forms including frozen pictures, mime, thought tap, Teacher in Role, physical theatre, mirroring, gesture and creating and maintaining a character. This fun topic is augmented with music and props to fire the imagination and creativity of the class.
Each lesson plan has clear objectives and learning outcomes. They are structured to include introductory warm up, development and plenary sessions. A homework task is also included.
This scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.
- Lesson 1: Cave Paintings
This lesson introduces students to the cave paintings as an early form of communication through imagery. Students develop a series of frozen images to leave their own pictorial message. - Lesson 2: Cowboys and Native American Indians
A meeting takes place through role-play between landowners, the cavalry and the local tribe on the Indian Reservation where negotiations are undertaken, with each party having their own agenda. - Lesson 3: Communication at Sea
Physical theatre and music are used to explore other methods of communication used at sea. - Lesson 4: Disability and Communication
The issue is explored from the viewpoint of those who have visual or hearing impairments, senses that could hamper communication. The class explores and develops a better understanding of these conditions. - Lesson 5: Aliens!
Extraterrestrial visitors are used to exaggerate how easy it is for miscommunication to occur. Gesture and repetition are used to signal and convey meaning. - Lesson 6: Modern Day Communication - Assessment
This is an assessment piece based on the receiving of good or bad news through the multitude of communication methods available today. All key Drama forms learnt and revised in the topic are used to recreate their own story and characters and recorded for self-evaluation.
Supporting materials include
- A Cut-out Feather
- Location Cards
- Cave Paintings PowerPoint Slide
- Phonetic Alphabet PowerPoint Slide
- Sailor's Hornpipe Music
Additional resources are included in the appendices
- Basic Drama Skills Sheet
- End Of Unit Self-Assessment Form
The scheme of work is supplied as a downloadable zip file containing a PDF file, readable on most computers, 1 piece of music (MP3 format) and 2 PowerPoint files.
