Howling Lodge Scheme of Work

6 Drama Lesson Plans for Year 7 (Ages 11-12yrs)

This scheme of work uses the backdrop of a haunted house to develop the students’ drama skills. The tale of Howling Lodge is developed with strong use of the teacher in the role of Miss Screech, a mysterious character whose past is the source of numerous village rumours. Scenes are developed using outlines and hot-seating of the teacher, as well as drawing on the imagination of the students. The scheme includes a classic ghost story, adapted for use in class, and a spooky piece of music.

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.

Howling Lodge Tooltip

This scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.

Lesson 1: Ghost Story

In this lesson the teacher reads out a ghost story and the students discuss how it can be used to create suspense and tension in a piece of drama.
Lesson 2: Howling Lodge

Students are welcomed to a church hall meeting by Mrs Screech, owner of Howling Lodge. The class activity ‘No Turning Back’ sets the scene for their visit to the haunted house and the students are introduced to the 7 levels of tension.
Lesson 3: The Villagers Talk

Using flashbacks, narration and dramatic pauses the students develop the tale further as the reluctant villagers begin to open up.
Lesson 4: Lodge for Sale

The students learn to structure a piece of drama about an estate agent trying to sell the obviously haunted house to a prospective buyer.
Lesson 5: Miss Howling on Trial

The class performs a prepared improvisation as the truth about Mrs Screech is revealed. Mrs Screech is interviewed to gather information for her trial.
Lesson 6: Assessment

To warm up for the assessment lesson the students discuss the mood of a spooky piece of music. They then devise a movement piece to tell the full story of Howling Lodge.