Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6-12

Book excerpt: "Offers educators a powerful method for making learning essential to students′ experience. Once they enter a curriculum drama, students become actors in a dynamic world that engages them intellectually, emotionally, and intuitively. They must sharpen their thinking, communicate effectively, and write and speak persuasively to be part of the action. Franklin is an imaginative and thoughtful guide taking teachers and students into the fertile territory of history brought to life." —Judith Ghinger, Early College Liaison The City College of New York Make social studies accessible, relevant, and engaging with standards-based curriculum drama! Curriculum drama is a student-centered, inquiry-based teaching method in which the teacher facilitates dramatic activities that engage students′ interest and imagination, develop critical thinking skills, and promote collaboration. Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6–12 shows educators how to provide rigorous and innovative opportunities for students to experience the social studies curriculum firsthand, from mock trials to classroom senates to political campaigns. Rooted in constructivism, these realistic experiences develop deep knowledge and understanding as students research and take on the roles of senators, judges, lawyers, campaign managers, lobbyists, and political activists. Aligned to National Council for the Social Studies standards, this field-tested, hands-on guide features: Step-by-step guidelines for constructing curriculum dramas based on historical cases, current events, and the legislative process Sample dramas, student voices, and activity sheets to help teachers get started An extensive, detailed example showing what curriculum drama looks and sounds like in the classroom Transform civics instruction into a dynamic, student-driven discourse that will help your students become informed, critically minded, socially conscious citizens.