Story Drama
To deepen story comprehension through active retelling and dramatisation.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Retells story in sequence
- Takes on character role
- Uses story language
- Recalls key story events
Materials
- Character props and simple costumes
- Story settings made from junk
- Story prompt cards
- Recording equipment for later viewing
Instructions
Choose a story children know very well from repeated readings: 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff', 'Goldilocks', 'The Three Little Pigs'. Before dramatising, read the story one more time to refresh the sequence in everyone's minds.
Assign roles enthusiastically: 'Who wants to be the troll? Who's a goat? Who's the biggest billy goat?' Let children choose, though guide volunteers to ensure all have a role. Accept any casting, including multiple children playing the same character.
Narrate the story as children act it out: 'And here come the three little pigs, building their houses! What's the first house made of? Straw! Build a straw house!' Your narration scaffolds the sequence and fills gaps.
Stay in role yourself to keep children engaged: 'I'm the wolf! I'll huff and I'll puff... Ready? Here I come!' Your committed performance gives children permission to be equally invested.
Pause at key decisions: 'What should the third little pig do? The wolf can't blow down his brick house — what happens next?' This comprehension check is embedded naturally in the drama.
Repeat the dramatisation with children in different roles. Children who were shy observers on the first run often throw themselves in on the second. Multiple runs deepen comprehension and confidence.