[Tiger73]

I have a very high 3rd grade class this year. I would like to write a play with them, but I have never done this before. Any suggestions??

[GiantSubs]

I would figure out what you want your overall play to look like, break it up into different scenes that give them enough information so everything fits together, and put them in groups of 2 or 3 to write their part. Trying to do it as one big group is asking a lot from 3rd graders, but in smaller groups with a specific situation to write about, may be easier. Then you can teach then the art of editing as you try to put it all together!

[ljones11]

What about doing a fractured fairy tale? I've done this with 4th graders before--we read several fairy tales (or several versions of one, like The Three Little Pigs) and then the students write their own versions. One way I've done it is to have all the students write a fractured fairy tale independently, and then take several of the best ones and present them to the class. Then the class works together to revise/edit one of those, and changes it into a script by adding more dialogue, narrators, etc.

I like using a fairy tale because then the basic story is already there and everyone knows it. It's easier for the class to begin changing small elements, like setting and characters, while keeping the basic plot the same. Good luck!

[elisab1963]

It is also helpful to make sure they know the format. They could have either sample plays as a model, or blank templates to complete.

[Tiger73]

Thanks for the great ideas!