Homelessness Scheme of Work

6 Drama Lesson Plans for Year 8 (Ages 12-13yrs)

This issue based scheme of work looks at the problem of homelessness and how it affects society. The emotional effects on the homeless, their families and passers by are understood through the use of dramatic techniques including improvisation, mime, frozen pictures, split scenes and thought-aloud. The tale of a teenage runaway is developed by the class and used as a device to provide depth to their work.

Each lesson plan has clearly stated objectives and learning outcomes. They are structured to include introductory warm up, development and plenary sessions. A homework task is also included.

A desk-based cover lesson is included in the package based on a 2 page handout. The aim is to provide thematic continuity in the event of drama teacher absence.

Homelessness Tooltip

This scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.

Lesson 1: Understanding Homelessness

The problem of homelessness is introduced through a short ‘true or false’ factual quiz. Groups devise frozen pictures from a set of powerful images supported with a thought aloud.
Lesson 2: Point of View

The class looks at different perspectives on the problem, performing as both people living on the street and passers by.
Lesson 3: Chris’s Story

A fictional character is used to delve into the minds of teenage runaways, using thought tapping and improvisation to explore their rationale. The lesson concludes with the students devising a scene as Chris and his family.
Lesson 4: The Good Samaritan

Students look at some of the dangers on the street through the ambiguous motives of a helpful stranger.
Lesson 5: Family and Friends

The emotions of those close to the runaway are examined using frozen pictures and split scenes.
Lesson 6: Assessment Lesson

Groups devise a documentary/public information film about Chris’s situation using mime, a sound collage and a thought aloud. The assessment piece is filmed and self-evaluated by the students.