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Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6-12

By: Catherine A. Franklin

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 exercises that produce deep knowledge and understanding. Students research and take on the roles of senators, judges, lawyers, campaign managers, lobbyists, and more. Aligned to National Council for the Social Studies standards, this hands-on guide features:

Step-by-step guidelines for constructing curriculum dramas such as mock trials, classroom senates, and political campaigns
Sample dramas, student voices, and activity sheets
An extensive, detailed example to show what curriculum drama looks and sounds like in the classroom

Full description

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Product Details

Grade Level: PreK-12, Elementary, Secondary
ISBN: 9781412939294
Published By: Corwin
Year: 2008
Page Count: 200
Publication date: August 09, 2013

Price: $39.95

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Description

"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.

Key features

Inquiry learning, curriculum drama, and constructivist teaching methods for the social studies classroom.
Aligns with curriculum standards and assessments as defined by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS).
Provides for multiple points of entry in lessons and units.
Enhances peer collaboration as well as individual learning.
Encourages critical thinking, cooperative learning, and emotional intelligence/character education.
Features sample dramas, resources, and step-by-step guidelines for constructing curriculum dramas.

Author(s)

Catherine A. Franklin

Catherine A. Franklin is an assistant professor in the School of Education at The City College of the City University of New York. She teaches social studies education to both undergraduates and graduates. She began her career by teaching in schools around the world (e.g., Colombia, Japan). In New York City, she was a middle school classroom teacher for over ten years. Along with teaching social studies, literature, and writing to eighth-grade students, she worked as a cooperating teacher for student teachers who were placed in her classroom. She earned her EdD at Teachers College, Columbia University in the Curriculum and Teaching Department and her MA in international education from Lesley University. She consults on social studies education and curriculum design.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Author

1. Curriculum Drama: An Engaging Approach to Social Studies

Understanding Curriculum Drama

Using Curriculum Drama to Meet Standards

Emerging From Educational Drama

Summary

What’s Next?

2. Constructing Curriculum Drama: Exploring Its Structure

The Inner Workings of Curriculum Drama

Using a Blueprint

Setting the Stage

Multiple Entry Points

Summary

What’s Next?

3. Becoming a Senator: Setting the Stage

Starting With a Blueprint: U.S. Constitution

Setting the Stage

Selecting States for the Classroom Senate

Recognizing the Senators: An Event

Researching the States in in the Classroom Senate

Researching U.S. Senators

Summary

What’s Next?

4. Political Parties: Building Belief

Consulting With a Blueprint: U.S. Senate

Setting the Stage

Creating Political Affiliations

Recognizing Political Groups: An Event

Constructing a Political Agenda

Classroom Dilemma: Encountering Disbelief

Summary

What’s Next?

5. Holding an Election: Engaging in Multiple Entry Points

Setting the Stage

Electing Leaders Within the Party

Consulting With a Blueprint - President Pro Tempore

Thinking Strategically

Secret Ballot Election: An Event

Classroom Dilemma: Breaking Too Soon From an Event

Summary

What's Next?

6. Current Events: Doing Legislative Work

Setting the Stage

Consulting With a Blueprint and Constructing Legislation

Introducing Legislation: An Event

Appraising Legislation

Engaging in Committee Work

Classroom Dilemma: Discord in Small Group Work

Curriculum Drama in Action: Committee Work

Summary

What’s Next?

7. Constructing a Hearing: Appraising Witness Testimony

Prioritizing Legislation

Setting the Stage

Witness Testimony: An Event

Curriculum Drama in Action: Witness Testimony

Classroom Dilemma: Rupture of Credibility

Summary

What’s Next?

8. Constructing a Debate: Taking Legislative Action

Committee Decision

Setting the Stage

Senate Debate: An Event

Curriculum Drama in Action: Senate Debate

Classroom Dilemma: Going Along With Student Decisions

Summary

What’s Next?

9. Constructing Curriculum Drama in Other Contexts

Current Events: World Summit on Peace

History: Should Women Vote?

Law: A Criminal Trial

Concluding Words: Letting the World In

Glossary

Resources

A. Oath of Office

B. Research Guidelines: State Report

C. Research Guidelines: Getting to Know a U.S. Senator

D. Activity: Determining Political Affiliations

E. List of Senators in a Classroom Senate

F. Activity: Working on a Political Platform

G. Activity: Creating Legislation

H. Committee Tasks

I. Classroom Legislation: S 125, “Clean Air”

J. Classroom Legislation: S 121, “Reducing Crime”

K. Testimony: Dr. Van Schick

L. Testimony: Mr. Will Cart

M. Activity: Constructing an Amendment

N. Excerpts From a Debaters’ Handbook

References

Index

Reviews

"Armed with a belief in the power of the imagination and the human drive for inquiry, Franklin transforms American civics from a stale and static subject into a compelling, student-driven civic discourse. This book is a mix of constructivist philosophy, dramatic technique, and letting the world into the classroom."

Sam Brian, Eighth-Grade Humanities Teacher
Bank Street School for Children, New York, NY

"The author’s approach to curriculum drama supports students gaining a true understanding of the subject matter rather than a limited understanding that may or may not lead to good test scores. Students are encouraged to think and work together to solve problems. These are the skills they will need for a brighter future."

Gayla LeMay, Social Studies Teacher
Louise Radloff Middle School, Duluth, GA

"Rooted in a deep understanding of development and the complexities of curriculum planning, Franklin's book presents with clarity and detail a dynamic view of classroom life that supports students' imagination and creativity, the importance of questioning and critical thinking, and the responsibilities and participation of citizens in a democratic society."

Harriet K. Cuffaro, Professor Emerita
Bank Street College of Education

"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

“Curriculum drama engages students by activating their imagination on a variety of topics. Through inquiry-based learning, students actively participate as researchers and actors while the teacher serves as the facilitator."

Burnedette Drysdale, Principal
City College Academy of the Arts, New York, NY

"Curriculum drama positions students to take up important civic concepts on their own terms through authentic, participatory activities. Catherine Franklin offers a step-by-step process for engaging adolescents in drama."

Christopher Worthman, Associate Professor
DePaul University

"Using vivid examples from her own teaching, Franklin details the thinking behind the multiple decisions a constructivist teacher has to make prior to, during, and after teaching to maximize the potential of curriculum drama."

Karen Zumwalt, Edward Evenden Professor of Education
Teachers College, Columbia University

Other Titles in: Teaching Methods & Learning Styles | Learning Styles

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Request Review Copy

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