Teaching Primary Drama

Assuming no prior knowledge or experience, Woolland guides the reader through theory and pedagogy and provides detailed examples of good practice. Practical ideas and suggestions throughout the book demonstrate how drama can be applied in any classroom across the whole curriculum. Brian Woolland’s Teaching Primary Drama is a comprehensive introduction to the teaching of drama in the primary school and is an essential resource for anyone looking to bring a more creative approach to their classroom. Assuming no prior knowledge or experience, Woolland provides an up-to-date overview of primary drama, relating accessible theory to numerous detailed examples of practice. Based on the author’s successful book, The Teaching of Drama in the Primary School, this new text has been thoroughly revised and updated and closely informed by recent developments in primary education, including the Revised Primary Framework for Literacy and recent government initiatives. Teaching Primary Drama reflects current thinking about the importance of creativity and proposes ways in which drama can be integrated with and complement the demands of the National Curriculum. The text also considers drama teaching within the context of the Primary Framework, looking closely at recent developments in SEAL, PSHE and Citizenship. Practical ideas and suggestions throughout the book demonstrate how drama can be applied in any classroom across the whole curriculum. Key features Up-to-date discussions of creativity and drama Illustrations, paintings, extracts from texts and diagrams show how drama developed from traditional stories, picture books, poetry and art A section focusing on drama in an integrated curriculum Detailed examples and case studies of drama in action in the primary classroom – highlighting possible national curriculum links and relevant PSHE and Citizenship guidelines Numerous examples of practical work embedded in chapters on starting points, working methods, organisation and development A section on planning and assessment for drama – designed to open up the thinking that underpins good reflective practice and sound planning A section dedicated to teaching drama in the early years A comprehensive list of useful websites and other resources Brian Woolland has worked as a teacher, an advisory teacher for drama, and as a lecturer in drama and theatre at the University of Reading, where he led B.Ed and PGCE courses in drama. He now works freelance as a writer, educator and theatre director. He has led numerous workshops with children and teachers on Educational Drama and Theatre over many years – in England, Ireland, Austria, Greece, Hungary and Australia. Assuming no prior knowledge or experience of drama teaching, Brian WoollandsTeaching Primary Drama offers a comprehensive introduction to the teaching of drama in the primary school, and focuses on current initiatives in primary education including the primary literacy strategy. The text is an invaluable resource for any teacher wishing to adopt a creative approach to teaching in their classroom. It offers guidance on different drama methods, and each practical idea translates to all areas of the curriculum. [Teaching Primary Drama] is written in simple terms, uncluttered by references, is refreshingly straightforward and succinct and does not fall into the trap of making a complex subject sound complex; a trait of some texts which can push non-specialists away.Amanda Kipling, London Drama Magazine, Summer 2010 issue.