Stage Start: 20 Plays for Children
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Stage Start: 20 Plays for Children by Julie Meighan is a collection of plays designed specifically for young performers. The book aims to introduce children to the world of theater through a variety of engaging and age-appropriate plays. Each play is crafted to be easily understandable and performable by children, with themes and characters that resonate with young audiences. The book serves as a resource for educators, parents, and theater directors who are looking for material to use in teaching drama to children. It provides not only the scripts but also guidance on staging, costumes, and direction to facilitate a complete theatrical experience for young actors and their audience. The plays in the collection vary in length, themes, and characters, and include titles like 'The Lion and the Mouse,' 'The Little Red Hen,' and 'Anne of Green Gables.' The plays feature flexible casting, simple costumes, and clear stage directions, making them easily adaptable for different group needs and performance settings.
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about the characters in the plays?
Which play was your favorite and why did it stand out to you?
How do the characters in the plays solve their problems, and what can we learn from them?
Can you think of a different ending for any of the plays? What would you change?
If you could be friends with any character from the plays, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the plays, affirming their opinions and offering your own gently to foster a two-way discussion.
Discuss the moral and lessons of each play, relating them to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, which helps in deepening their understanding.
Use creative prompts to engage your child, such as pretending to be characters from the plays and acting out scenes together, which enhances comprehension and retention.
Ask your child to pick their favorite character and explain their choice, which encourages critical thinking and personal connection to the reading material.
Create a fun post-reading activity like drawing scenes from the play or writing a short continuation of the play, which makes the discussion lively and interactive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through engaging with diverse characters and scenarios in the plays, children learn to put themselves in others' shoes.
Real-World Application: Children can better navigate social interactions and conflicts by understanding different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The collaborative nature of theater requires children to work together to bring a play to life, emphasizing teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in group projects and everyday interactions, fostering a cooperative spirit.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: Each play offers opportunities for children to express themselves creatively, whether through acting, set design, or costume creation.
Real-World Application: Creative expression can boost problem-solving skills and adaptability in various school subjects and life situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Commitment
Explanation: Participating in a play teaches children the importance of being responsible and committed to their role and to the group.
Real-World Application: These traits are essential for personal development and can be applied in academic settings, extracurricular activities, and relationships.
Example Lesson: Public Speaking and Confidence
Explanation: Performing in front of an audience helps children overcome stage fright and boosts self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Enhanced public speaking skills and confidence can improve children's participation in class and their ability to express their ideas clearly.