Themes of World War II

This scheme of work looks at various aspects of World War II, using two books, 'Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl', and 'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit' by Judith Kerr, as inspiration. The scheme uses a range of drama techniques to look at the daily lives, feelings and emotions of people living during this time. Work carried out during this scheme will be useful to students when devising their own performances going forward.

Each of the six sessions here is based on a one-hour lesson, but they can be mixed and matched as you please.

Learning objectives
The learning objectives here cover all sessions. During this scheme students will:
- Familiarise themselves and work with text taken from the books 'Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl' and 'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit'.
- Practise a range of dramatic techniques, including: hot seating, spotlighting, flashback and fast-forward, split-screen, soundscapes and overheard conversations.
- Explore a range of texts, visual images, sounds and online research to help build background and character authenticity.
- Work cooperatively with others in both small and larger groups.
- Build a three-scene dramatisation suitable for use as a performance piece.
- Explore various sides of the same scenario through the perspective of a range of characters to give depth to a performance.
- Work on reading scripts.
- Work on relating to others and reacting in role to their contributions.

Resources required throughout this scheme of work:
- Teacher copies of both books
- Resource sheet (included at the end of this scheme)
- Plain postcards
- Large luggage tags on string
- Whistle
- Table and chairs
- Laptop