Drama at Key Stages 1 and 2

Drama and Writing

Discussing set readings

Both qualitative (Crumpler and Schneider, 2002; UKLA/PND, 2004; Cremin et al., 2006) and quantitative studies (Fleming et al., 2004) demonstrate that if drama is used in literacy sessions and in extended units of literacy work, it can make a significant contribution to children's writing.

The teachers on the primary phase research project Raising Boys' Achievements in Writing (UKLA/PNS, 2004) successfully integrated film and drama to motivate and enrich the quality of underachieving boy writers. The research report is available for just £1.10 from UKLA (to cover postage and packing) and is an accessible and informative read. If student teachers are organised in reading groups, then each group could send off for a copy or two and come to the session prepared to share key messages. Section 3.2 Research Findings is particularly worth reading. To order copies go to: http://www.ukla.org/site/publications/ukla_research_reports/.

Another option is to set the following reading which is accessible on-line at the Open University's open access institutional repository – Open Research Online:

Cremin, T., Goouch, K., Blakemore, L., Goff, E. and Macdonald, R. (2006) Connecting Drama and Writing: seizing the moment to write, Research in Drama in Education 11 (3): 273-291. Go to http://oro.open.ac.uk/9778/.

These and other readings could be set prior to the session, in which the student teachers share specific insights gained with partners and then in small groups.

Using the role on the wall technique each group can then communicate one element of what they have learnt. The drawn shape of one member of the group, represents the group and inside the body shape members record the advantages of combining drama and writing (e.g. motivation, richer language choices, enhanced story structure), outside they can note some of the practical strategies and challenges involved (e.g. conscience alley, telephone conversations). The final visuals will prompt whole group discussion.