Mime Scheme of Work
This scheme of work explores the technique of mime. It enables the students to develop their practical understanding of the skill and how to use body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, space and the need to exaggerate them to convey their intent clearly to an audience. It is supported with music, situation cards and a short Powerpoint presentation which can also be printed as a handout. For assessment students devise their own mime scene set to music, using the techniques and skills learned.
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.
This scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.
- Lesson 1: Facial Expressions
This introductory lesson uses 'Chinese Mime Whispers' to develop the use of facial expressions and uses frozen pictures to convey moods clearly to an audience. - Lesson 2: Gestures
Students play 'Haybarn' to examine the importance of gestures and use improvisation, responding to an object to practice making actions in mime clear. - Lesson 3: Body Language
'The King of Silence' introduces the idea of clear body language and facial expressions. This is then developed through mirroring exercises in pairs, different situations for the audience to work out. - Lesson 4: Communicating a Thought or Feeling
An introduction slide is used to develop/ revise students' understanding of the skill of mime. This is then applied to their own work practically, both individually and in pair work. - Lesson 5: Devising a Scene in Mime
A series of situations are used for the students to respond to individually to convey emotions. These are then developed in groups using different scenarios. - Lesson 6: Mime Assessment
Students are assessed on their group performance based on a piece of mime set to music which demonstrates their understanding of the mood and atmosphere through their use of facial expressions, body language, gestures, eye contact and use of space.
Supporting materials include
- Introductory PowerPoint slide
- Scenario cards
- Two pieces of 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 ZIP file. It contains the scheme of work (PDF, readable on most computers), a PowerPoint slide and with 2 music files (MP3 format.)
