Welcome back to part two of our story structure series—this time, we’re taking center stage with a deep dive into teaching elements of drama. If you missed Part 1: Teaching Story Structure, now’s a great time to check it out and set the stage for your full unit.
So grab your metaphorical playbill and dim the lights: it’s time to help students explore the world of scripts, stage directions, and spectacular storytelling—all while building confidence in reading and writing dramatic texts.
Drama is more than just kids pretending to swordfight with pencils (although… yes, that happens). It’s a unique storytelling format packed with dialogue, stage directions, scenes, and emotion—and when students understand how it all works, they can perform better as readers and writers.
Start by grabbing the handout. It includes everything you need—printables, organizers, video links, and suggested scripts to help you teach drama structure like a pro.
Teaching Drama Structure
Hook Activity: Watch It Unfold
Before diving into definitions, let students experience drama—literally.
Show a short video clip of a live performance and use the discussion questions in the handout to help students reflect on the structure. Great options:
The Lion King – a young lion finds his roar (and his throne)
Matilda the Musical – a book-loving girl with brainpower and bravery
Ask:
How is this different from a storybook?
What makes this feel like a performance?
Did you catch any stage directions in action?
Keep it light and engaging—it’s okay if their first reaction is, “Wait… people sing during arguments?”
Activity #2: Break Down the Basics (with a Video Lesson)
Next, it’s time to get structured.
Have students watch a short video lesson that breaks down drama into manageable pieces. The video covers:
genres like musicals, mimes, and operas
cast lists, settings, and descriptions
dialogue and stage directions
how scenes and acts work
As they watch, students fill out a graphic organizer to keep track of what they learn. It’s also available as a digital Google Slides version if your classroom is more tech-inclined.
This activity lays a strong foundation—and answers the question: “Wait, what’s an act again?”
Activity #3: Analyze a Scene (Into the Woods Jr.)
Now let’s see drama structure in action.
Students read a script excerpt from Into the Woods Jr. and watch the same scene in video form (15:15–18:40). As they read and watch, ask:
How does the dialogue differ from narration?
What do stage directions add?
How do music and movement bring the story to life?
This comparison helps students see how structure = storytelling—and it’s a fun way to bring fairy tale characters into your literacy block.
Activity #4: Culminating Activity for the Series on Story Structure
Here’s the grand finale— a culminating activity worthy of a standing ovation!
Students read three versions of the same story:
a poem
a narrative
a drama
Then, in small groups, they compare and contrast the formats using guiding questions (provided in your handout). This lets students see how the same story can wear different costumes—whether it’s told in rhyme, prose, or with a spotlight on stage.
Why It All Matters
By exploring drama, students don’t just become better readers. They build:
dialogue skills
character analysis techniques
an appreciation for the arts
and maybe a few dreams of Broadway
Whether they’re center stage or behind the scenes, students will gain confidence in how stories work—and how they can tell their own.
🎭 Break a leg, teachers. You’ve got this.
👉 Don’t forget to download the full handout with everything you need.
