Introduction to Drama, Types, and Elements Literature English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Lesson Note on Introduction to Drama, Types, and Elements

Subject: Literature in English
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 11–12 years
Topic: Introduction to Drama, Types, and Elements
Sub-topic: Definition, Types, and Key Elements of Drama
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define drama.
2. List the types of drama.
3. Explain the elements of drama.
4. Give examples of each type of drama.
5. Discuss the role of characters in drama.

Keywords:

• Drama
• Tragedy
• Comedy
• Melodrama
• Plot

Set Induction:

The teacher will ask students if they have ever watched a play or drama, and what they liked about it. This will lead into the introduction of the lesson on drama.

Entry Behaviour:

Students know about storytelling and movies, which are forms of drama.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Flashcards showing types and elements of drama
• Examples of famous plays (e.g., Romeo and Juliet)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students are familiar with stories in books and movies. The teacher will explain that drama is another way of telling stories, but it is meant to be performed.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Listening and speaking skills
• Collaboration

Learning Materials:

• Printed scripts of simple plays
• Pictures of a stage with props and actors

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Literature for Junior Secondary Schools, JSS 1

Instructional Materials:

• Flashcards
• Pictures of actors and plays
• Printed examples of short plays

Content:

1. Definition of Drama:

Drama is a form of literature meant to be performed on stage. It shows human actions and behavior through characters speaking and acting. The word “drama” comes from the Greek word “dran,” which means “to act.”

2. Types of Drama:

There are four main types of drama:

• Tragedy: A sad play that usually ends with the downfall of the main character.
• Comedy: A funny play that often ends happily.
• Melodrama: A play with exaggerated characters and exciting events.
• Tragicomedy: A mix of both tragedy and comedy, where serious events are combined with funny moments.

3. Elements of Drama:

The key elements of drama are:

• Plot: The story or events in the drama.
• Characters: The people or beings in the drama.
• Dialogue: The words the characters speak.
• Setting: The time and place where the drama happens.
• Music: Songs and sound used in the drama.

Examples:

1. Romeo and Juliet (Tragedy)
2. A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Comedy)
3. Oliver Twist (Melodrama)
4. The Merchant of Venice (Tragicomedy)
5. Hamlet (Tragedy)

Evaluation (15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options):

1. Drama is meant to be ____ on stage.
   a) spoken
   b) watched
   c) written
   d) read
2. A play that is both serious and funny is called ____.
   a) tragedy
   b) tragicomedy
   c) comedy
   d) melodrama
3. The events in a play are called ____.
   a) plot
   b) character
   c) setting
   d) action
4. The Greek word for drama is ____.
   a) dran
   b) plot
   c) comedy
   d) action
5. A tragedy usually ends in ____.
   a) joy
   b) laughter
   c) the downfall of the main character
   d) a wedding
6. The characters in a drama are the ____.
   a) story
   b) plot
   c) people acting
   d) music
7. A funny play is known as ____.
   a) melodrama
   b) comedy
   c) tragedy
   d) tragicomedy
8. A melodrama often has ____.
   a) exaggerated characters
   b) music
   c) serious stories
   d) happy endings
9. The setting is the ____.
   a) words spoken by the characters
   b) time and place of the play
   c) music used in the play
   d) costumes
10. Music in drama adds ____.
    a) tension
    b) nothing
    c) excitement
    d) humour

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs with Answers):

1. What is drama?
   Drama is a story acted out on stage.
2. What are the types of drama?
   There are four main types: tragedy, comedy, melodrama, and tragicomedy.
3. Why is drama important?
   It shows human actions and behavior, making it easy to understand stories.
4. What is a tragedy?
   A play with a sad ending, often involving the downfall of the main character.
5. What is a comedy?
   A funny play that ends happily.
6. What is a melodrama?
   A play with exaggerated characters and emotional events.
7. What is tragicomedy?
   A play that mixes both tragedy and comedy.
8. What is the plot of a drama?
   The events or story in a drama.
9. Who are the characters in a drama?
   The people who act out the story.
10. What is dialogue in drama?
    The words spoken by the characters.
11. What is the setting in a drama?
    The time and place where the play happens.
12. Why is music used in a play?
    To add emotion and make the story more interesting.
13. What is the origin of the word “drama”?
    It comes from the Greek word “dran,” meaning “to act.”
14. What is the main difference between comedy and tragedy?
    Comedy ends happily, while tragedy has a sad ending.
15. Why is it important to understand the elements of drama?
    It helps us appreciate and understand plays better.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on prose. Students are asked about the definition and types of prose.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by explaining the meaning of drama and its purpose. The four types of drama are also introduced and discussed with examples.

Step 3: The teacher allows the students to give their contributions about plays they have watched or read. The teacher will correct any mistakes and explain further where needed.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the definition, types, and elements of drama.
• Ask students questions and guide their understanding.
• Provide examples of each type of drama.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen to the teacher’s explanations.
• Ask questions where necessary.
• Discuss the types and elements of drama.

Evaluation Questions (10 Short-Answer Questions):

1. What is drama?
2. Name two types of drama.
3. What is a tragedy?
4. Give one example of a comedy.
5. Define melodrama.
6. What is a tragicomedy?
7. Name one element of drama.
8. What is the plot of a play?
9. What is the setting in a drama?
10. Why is dialogue important in drama?

Conclusion:

The teacher moves around to ensure all students have understood the lesson. The teacher corrects any mistakes and clarifies any confusing points before wrapping up the class.

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