Creative Arts Circles

Reimagining Arts Education Through Creative Collaboration

Drama Resources

Creative Drama Circles Artwork

I am Human

A diverse group of young people - representing belonging.

Context

Years 1 – 2 (Ages 5 – 7)

Duration

10 Weeks

Unit description

Students will explore the drama unit I Am Human, inspired by the book by Susan Verde. Over 10 weeks, children will participate in imaginative play, storytelling, and performance to understand what it means to be human. The unit encourages students to express themselves creatively, collaborate with peers, and build confidence in sharing their ideas. It also integrates cross-curricular themes including First Nations Peoples perspectives, sustainability, and intercultural understanding.

What students will do and learn

Students explore drama that they experience at home, school or through family and community events. They connect with people living and working in the community who create and/or perform drama; for example, by experiencing live or virtual performances. They use stimulus materials such as images, events, texts, questions and observations as inspiration for their own drama. Using activities like freeze frames, role play, improvisation, and movement, students explore emotions, relationships, and values such as kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. Students observe, reflect and respond to drama they experience.

Connections

Literacy; Numeracy; Digital Literacy; Critical and Creative Thinking; Personal and Social Capabilities; Intercultural Understanding and Ethical Understanding.

Assessment

Formative opportunities. Summative assessment is centred around group presentations in an informal setting. Reflections are oral and visual.

Additional applications

English (Literacy)

  • Speaking & Listening: Students engage in role play, storytelling, and reflection activities that build oral language skills.
  • Reading & Comprehension: The unit uses the picture book I Am Human as a central text, encouraging discussion around themes, vocabulary, and narrative structure.
  • Writing: Students can write reflections, character descriptions, or short scripts based on their drama experiences.

Health & Physical Education

  • Personal and Social Capability: Activities focus on emotions, empathy, relationships, and respectful behaviour.
  • Movement: Drama activities like character walks and freeze frames involve physical movement and body awareness.

Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)

  • Civics and Citizenship: Themes of kindness, fairness, and community are explored through dramatic scenarios.
  • History and Culture: Students explore drama from different cultures, including First Nations perspectives.

Visual Arts

  • Creative Expression: Students create visual representations such as “Human on the Wall” portraits and dream bubbles.
  • Art Integration: Drawing, decorating props (e.g. magic wands), and group murals support the drama themes.

Unit Authors

This unit was created by:

  • Rose Boylan-Ascione, Arts Teacher
  • Marthy Watson, Lecturer

Resources

Download the Unit

Additional Resources

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