Oral Language
Strategy: Drama Rhymes
Appropriate Grade Level: Pre-kindergarten
Procedures/Steps:
Prepare a chart with the nursery rhyme that is used many times to learn,
dramatize, and discuss the rhyme.
Find a picture that illustrates the nursery rhyme or create your own to aid the
children in understanding the words and concepts.
Display the picture and words of the nursery rhymes and ask the students
what they can tell about the pictures or words. This shows their prior
knowledge.
First, point to the words as you read. Ask the children to tell about any of the
words that they heard. After this discussion, read the line again, adding the
dramatization or regalia. Model for your students how to express the rhyme
using voice and actions. When this is done, discuss the actions or regalia used
and their purpose.
Comments and/or tips:
Through the use of words and actions, these kindergartners are developing
their oral language and phonological awareness. Nursery rhymes have a
musical quality with different language patterns, rhythm, and rhyme in the
verses. Examine each line of the nursery rhyme to determine which words
can be dramatized. Pictures are used to help students understand words or
concepts.
Source:
Roush, Betty E. (2005). Drama rhymes: An instructional strategy. The
Reading Teacher 58 (6), 584-7