What to expect from this class?
Courtney runs a Key Stage 2 and a Key Stage 3 version of this class every week. I had the pleasure of tuning in for the older ones’ class this week. The pace was calm but they got a surprising amount done! They started with warming up their mouths by reciting tongue twisters that the children had created themselves. Some of this was at home with their microphones off but they were encouraged (it was totally optional!!) to turn their microphones on to say the tongue twisters together. It was a great ice breaker, and I could already see the students starting to relax into the session.
After that, they took part in a brilliant drama game called “Excuses”, where they had to improvise and if possible develop their improvisation to explain why they had been late for work and hadn’t gone to a dinner party. I think my favourite line from that part of the lesson was when Courtney commented on someone’s excuse, only to be corrected “It wasn’t an excuse. It was a government contract.”! The idea that someone was late for work because of a giraffe crossing the road was also funny!
The main part of the lesson involved the children working in 2s or 3s in the Zoom Breakout Rooms, to interview each other and then turn the interviews into a speech. There was a clear structure, and again, nothing was compulsory and everything was really relaxed, but I could tell that a few of the children were being really brave and going a little outside of their comfort zones. It was lovely to see them giving their speeches at the end of the lesson to the rest of the group. using humour and tone and expression to deliver them.
It was a super friendly group and there was a mixture of children. Obviously some felt quite comfortable putting themselves out there dramatically, while others found it more of a challenge. I loved the level of acceptance of each other and kindness that comes firstly from Courtney but also from all of the children in the group. If you like the idea of trying a bit of drama but you don’t want to go and do a full on stage performance, this could be a really lovely starting point. It will help to build your confidence and give you a load of useful skills in communication.
You can find out more about the classes here:
Public Speaking, Debate and Drama Club | Learn Laugh Play
Final word from Courtney
I had a chat with Courtney after watching the class and this is what she had to say about the class. If you or your child is a member of this class please do comment below to share your experiences.
Drama, Debate and Public Speaking is a great class for building up confidence and developing communication skills. Learners have the opportunity to work in groups, be creative and share their thoughts and opinions. This term we are going to host a whole class debate, explore what makes a good speech and try our hand at script writing (which we will then have the chance to perform).
Courtney