Soap Opera Scheme of Work
This scheme of work introduces students to the genre of television soap opera. Soap opera techniques such as dramatic pauses, interruptions and low volume menace are introduced along with stock characters. It also explores the issue of domestic violence through the use of a text stimulus, the soap opera style and monologues.
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.
The scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.
- Lesson 1: Introducing Soap Operas
Introduction to the basic format and stock characters, with the students devising a short piece of melodrama based on a typical soap opera scenario. - Lesson 2: Stereotypes in Soap Opera
Stereotype cards are used to prompt a thought shower and discussion about preconceptions using frozen pictures. - Lesson 3: Heightening the Drama
Students improvise and develop a highly charged scene using soap opera techniques including dramatic pauses, interruptions and low volume menace. - Lesson 4: Monologues
The plot and characters are developed through the use of monologues set in typical soap opera environments. - Lesson 5: Incorporating Domestic Violence
The poem ‘Only the Day Before’ is used as a backdrop for the development of a scene set after an incident of domestic violence comes to light. - Lesson 6: Mini-Soap Opera Assessment
Students devise and film a scene based on the poem which includes key soap opera elements such as duologue, split scenes and ending in a cliff hanger. Dramatic title music is included!
Supporting materials include
- Stereotype Cards
- Poem – ‘Only the Day Before’
- 1 piece of dramatic title music
Additional resources are included in the appendices
- End Of Unit Self-Assessment Form
The document is supplied as a ZIP file. It contains the scheme of work (PDF, readable on most computers) along with 1 music file (MP3 format).
