Introduction to Drama – JSS 2 Second Term Literature in English Lesson
Literature in English JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 1
Subject: Literature in English
Class: JSS 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 1
Age: 11 – 13 years
Topic: Introduction to Drama
Sub-topic: Meaning, Features, and Types of Drama
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define drama.
- Identify the key features of drama.
- Explain the different types of drama with examples.
- Differentiate drama from other literary genres.
Keywords
- Drama
- Playwright
- Characters
- Dialogue
- Acts and Scenes
- Tragedy
- Comedy
Set Induction
The teacher will begin by asking students if they have ever watched a play or a film. The teacher will then engage the students in a discussion on how actors use dialogue and action to tell a story.
Entry Behavior
Students have basic knowledge of storytelling and acting from their daily experiences and interactions with movies or stage performances.
Learning Resources and Materials
- A short drama script
- Pictures of stage performances
- Video clips of plays (if available)
- Textbooks and reference materials
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have previously studied prose and poetry in literature. This lesson will introduce them to drama, another major genre of literature.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity
Learning Materials
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Recommended Literature Texts
- Whiteboard and markers
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 2
- Approved JSS 2 Literature in English Textbooks
- Online resources on drama elements
Lesson Presentation
Step 1: Definition of Drama
Teacher’s Activities:
- The teacher defines drama as a form of literature that is written to be performed by actors on a stage or in a film.
- The teacher explains that drama is different from prose and poetry because it relies on dialogue and action to tell a story.
Learners’ Activities:
- Students listen and take notes.
- Students give examples of plays or movies they have watched.
Step 2: Features of Drama
Teacher’s Activities:
The teacher explains that drama has the following key features:
- Characters: The people who take part in the drama.
- Dialogue: The conversation between characters.
- Acts and Scenes: The way a drama is divided into parts.
- Stage Directions: Instructions on how characters should move or speak.
- Conflict: A problem or struggle that drives the story.
Learners’ Activities:
- Students write down the features of drama.
- Students identify these features in a short play script provided by the teacher.
Step 3: Types of Drama
Teacher’s Activities:
The teacher explains the major types of drama:
- Tragedy: A serious play with a sad or unfortunate ending (e.g., Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare).
- Comedy: A humorous play that entertains and often has a happy ending (e.g., The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka).
- Tragicomedy: A play that has both tragic and comic elements.
- Melodrama: A drama that exaggerates emotions and events.
- Farce: A play that uses exaggerated humor and absurd situations.
Learners’ Activities:
- Students mention plays or movies that fall into each category.
- Students read short excerpts from each type of drama.
Step 4: Differences Between Drama and Other Literary Genres
Teacher’s Activities:
The teacher compares drama with prose and poetry:
| Feature | Drama | Prose | Poetry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Written in dialogue and stage directions | Written in paragraphs and chapters | Written in verses and stanzas |
| Performance | Meant to be acted | Meant to be read | Meant to be recited |
| Structure | Divided into acts and scenes | Divided into chapters | Divided into stanzas |
Learners’ Activities:
- Students discuss the differences.
- Students give examples of books and plays they have read.
Evaluation Questions
-
What is drama?
a) A type of poem
b) A story meant to be acted
c) A novel with pictures
d) A song with rhythm -
Which of the following is NOT a feature of drama?
a) Dialogue
b) Stage directions
c) Acts and Scenes
d) Chapters -
What is a play that makes people laugh called?
a) Tragedy
b) Comedy
c) Melodrama
d) Tragicomedy -
Which type of drama has both serious and humorous elements?
a) Farce
b) Tragicomedy
c) Tragedy
d) Melodrama -
What makes drama different from prose?
a) It is written in chapters
b) It uses dialogue and stage directions
c) It has no characters
d) It is only found in books -
The people who take part in a play are called ____.
a) Narrators
b) Characters
c) Authors
d) Poets -
A serious play with a sad ending is called ____.
a) Tragedy
b) Comedy
c) Farce
d) Melodrama -
Which of the following is NOT a type of drama?
a) Prose
b) Comedy
c) Tragedy
d) Melodrama -
The instructions given to actors on how to move or speak are called ____.
a) Prologue
b) Stage directions
c) Dialogue
d) Script -
Which of these is an example of a tragedy?
a) Romeo and Juliet
b) The Lion and the Jewel
c) The Gods Are Not to Blame
d) Chike and the River
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)
-
What is the main purpose of drama?
Drama entertains, educates, and informs people through performances. -
Who writes a drama?
A playwright writes a drama. -
Can a novel be turned into a drama?
Yes, novels can be adapted into plays or films. -
What is the difference between a play and a drama?
A play is a type of drama performed on stage, while drama is a broader literary genre. -
Why do actors use dialogue?
Dialogue helps tell the story and develop characters.
Assessment (Short Answer Questions)
- Define drama.
- List five features of drama.
- Mention three types of drama.
- Differentiate between tragedy and comedy.
- Explain the importance of dialogue in drama.
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson, corrects students’ misconceptions, and assigns homework on a short drama script analysis.
SEO Optimization
- Title: Introduction to Drama – JSS 2 Second Term Literature in English Lesson Note
- Focus Keyphrase: Introduction to Drama
- SEO Title: Introduction to Drama | JSS 2 Literature Lesson Note
- Slug: introduction-to-drama-jss2
- Meta Description: Learn about drama, its features, types, and differences from other literary genres in this detailed JSS 2 Second Term Literature lesson note.