Skip to main content
Home
Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators
  • About
    • About CODE
    • Mission
    • CODE Board
    • Regions
    • Our History
      • General History
      • Former Presidents
      • Honorary Members
    • FAQ
  • Resources
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • CODE on the Road
    • Past Conferences
    • Past Events
  • Member Zone
  • Contact Us
  • Join Us
  • Search
  • Login

Resource - What's the Word? - Turning the Page

  1. Home
  2. Resources
Abstract: 
Students will create new vocabulary words and explore ways to use them through role-playing and improvisation. Students will create and perform scenes/scenarios that deal with issues of equity, social justice and inclusion. Students will engage in a series of drama exercises based on the creation of original vocabulary words connected to their lived experiences of youth and inclusion.

Overview

Whats the Word Graphic
On a pink background, a crowd gathers around a person holding up a campaign sign. The graphic appears above the title of the unit.
Context

The unit explores language and literacy, specifically through creating and exploring new words and using improvisation, all through an equity lens. Students begin by creating brand new words that explore complex issues and use them in various improvisational contexts.  The culminating task involves the students performing scenes incorporating their new vocabulary word that represents experiences of equity, social justice and inclusion.

Unit Guiding Questions
  • How do words/language place people in different social categories/contexts?
  • In what ways can words be powerful?  How can words affect change?
  • How important are new vocabulary words in our changing times?
  • Do currently existing words convey the ideas of today’s youth?
Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment for Learning

Throughout the unit, student’s achievement of the identified learning goals is monitored using a variety of assessment strategies and tools including:

  • Discussions
  • Teacher feedback
  • Checklists
  • Observation
  • Side coaching

Assessment as Learning

Students will have opportunities to reflect on their experiences through journal writing and reflective discussions.

Questions/prompts:

  • What are your overall thoughts about this unit/lesson?
  • Would you ever try to use your new word in real life?  Explain.
  • What words did you think were particularly effective?
  • Inquiry/Action/Reflection question

Assessment of Learning

Students will be evaluated using a scene performance assessment rubric for the culminating task.

Lessons

Lesson 1: New Word Creation - Pitch Performance

Students will come up with their own vocabulary words connected to themes of equity, inclusion and/or social justice. Exploration of new vocabulary is achieved through improvisational games, worksheets and discussion. Students will introduce their new words to the class through performances.

Lesson 2: Words to Action - Role Play Performance

Students will explore equity issues through improvisation/role play in a short scene performance.

Subject / Panel: Drama / Senior
Terms: Lesson Plans, inclusion/ exclusion

Lessons / Leçons

Lesson / Leçon 1
New Word Creation
Lesson / Leçon 2
Words to Action

Appendices / Annexes

Appendix / Annexe 1
Curriculum Expectations

Printable materials / Matériel imprimable

  • PDF icon PDF #1 New Vocabulary Worksheet
  • PDF icon PDF #2 Pitch Preparation
  • PDF icon PDF #3 Pitch Presentation Checklist
  • PDF icon PDF #4 Scene Performance Rubric
Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Search
  • FAQ
  • Contact

© CODE The Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators. Charitable Registration Number: 119228807RR0001