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Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6-12
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Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6-12



November 2008 | 200 pages | Corwin

"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.


 
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

"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
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.     

Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface

Chapter 1: Curriculum Drama


For instructors

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