Drama involves interpreting, inventing and appreciating dramatic sequences. Drama education develops the students’ artistic sensibility, creative potential, acting abilities and skills in self-expression and communication. In the drama classroom, students express their ideas, their personal vision of the world, the visions of their classmates and those of playwrights or other creators.

Drama Competencies - Elementary

Competency 2: To appreciate dramatic works, personal productions, and those of classmates

The act of appreciation is one of examining and reflecting on a work, whether it is one's own, the work of classmates, or professional and amateur work seen outside the classroom. In the arts, teachers are often challenged by time constraints, and wonder how to fit appreciation into tight timelines. Two things to consider are:

- Keep it simple - introduce a framework and use it exclusively for a while

- Do it often - regular moments of appreciation cultivate the appreciation reflex

Keep it simple Ideas	Do it often Ideas
Use post-its on a large Venn diagram on the wall or interactive white board	Build in an appreciation moment at the very start of a project, or at the start of every period
Have students discuss in groups and share notes on a single Appreciation sheet	Have an appreciation file or station in your classroom for inspiration, and make sure students leave traces in an appreciation journal (can be assigned as homework)
Use the same framework for the Artist Statement for personal creations.	Build in appreciation of finished works, completed exercises or at the close of a project.

Student Tools

Appreciating Drama (Venn Diagram) - Download

Artist's Statement (Drama) - Download

Teaching and Learning Tools

Learning and Evaluation Situations LES

Movement in a collective ensemble
Elem. Cycle 3
By Nicolas Doyon

Students create and present a silent theatrical choreography based on an improvisation inspired by a musical piece.

English version Download
Version française Download

Professional Learning

Spotlight on the Arts

An annual effervescent art education happening organized by the MAD2 DEEN subcommittee, featuring guest speakers, workshops in all four Arts subjects, a round-table discussion and on the spot art-making. Go to page

Professional Organizations

Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators
Although their resources are not directly linked to the QEP, this Ontario educators association has a very robust website and an annual conference. Go to site

Quebec Drama Federation
The Quebec Drama Federation exists to support English-language theatre companies, artists and their artistic expressions in Quebec. Go to site

ATEQ - L’Association Théâtre Éducation du Québec
The French-language drama educators association. Go to site