Aesops Fables Scheme of Work

(ages 11-12)

This six-lesson unit uses Aesop’s 'The Tortoise and the Hare' to introduce fables as a stimulus for practical drama. Lessons combine mask work, chorus techniques and devising to explore character, moral themes and the historical context of early Greek theatre and the Olympic ideals. Activities include frozen pictures, forum theatre, thought tunnel and prepared improvisation, ending with a performance-based assessment.

What Students Will Learn

Students will study the Aesop fable and its modern relevance while developing characterisation, ensemble skills and basic Greek theatre elements such as masks and chorus. They will practise practical conventions (frozen pictures, forum theatre, narration, thought tunnel) and create devised scenes culminating in a performance assessment.

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6 detailed lesson plansA complete, practical teaching sequence for the unit.
Lesson-by-lesson activity guidanceUse the unit structure, skills focus and classroom tasks without starting from scratch.
Linked classroom resourcesProps, Resources are included where they support the lesson sequence.

Week 1: What is a Fable?
Introduces the concept of fables and their relevance, exploring how a fable can become a drama piece. Students work practically using frozen pictures and forum theatre to develop and present short dramatic moments.
Resources Include
Props
Tortoise (blank)Hare (blank)
Week 2: The Tortoise and the Hare
Focuses on the two central characters from the fable and techniques to express their thoughts. Students use masks alongside thought tunnel and voices-in-the-head activities to explore internal monologue and character contrast.
Resources Include
Resources
The Tortoise and the Hare
Props
Tortoise MaskTortoise (blank)Hare MaskHare (blank)
Week 3: A Day in the Life
Builds character profiles by examining daily life and personality traits to deepen role understanding. Pupils use flashback and narration to construct and present richer character backstories.
Week 4: The Animal Olympics
Conveys Olympic ideals through energetic team games that emphasise competition and participation. Students take part in three team activities and conclude with a podium and winner’s photo to reinforce outcomes.
Week 5: The Big Race
Prepares a class improvisation covering the sporting contest between the Tortoise and the Hare. The lesson uses thought tapping, narration, chanting and interviews, finishing with a class tableau.
Week 6: Assessment Performance
Students explore the modern relevance of fables and create original scenes using techniques learned across the unit. The lesson culminates in devised performances used for assessment.