Earth's Precious Resources · Term 2

Water in Our Homes

Students will investigate how water is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and hygiene in their homes.

About This Topic

Setting the Scene introduces students to the concept of 'place' in drama and how it influences character behavior. Under ACARA Year 2 Drama, students explore how the elements of drama, such as space, light, and sound, can be used to create a setting. They learn that a character moves differently in a crowded market than they do in a quiet, spooky cave.

This topic also touches on the 'stage' itself and how actors use different levels and positions to show relationships. In an Australian context, students might explore settings like the outback, a coral reef, or a suburban backyard. By 'building' these scenes using their bodies and simple classroom items, students understand that the setting is a character in itself. Student-centered strategies like 'gallery walks' of frozen scenes allow students to analyze how setting is communicated through physical choices.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk: Frozen Settings

Groups create a 'statue' of a specific setting (e.g., a windy beach). Half the class walks through the 'statues' as tourists, describing what they 'see' and 'feel' based on the actors' poses.

⏱ 25 min·Whole Class

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Simulation Game: The Environment Walk

The teacher describes a changing environment (thick mud, deep water, hot sand). Students must move across the room, showing through their body tension and speed how the setting is affecting them.

⏱ 15 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: Light and Sound Scapers

In small groups, students use a torch and one sound-maker to turn a corner of the classroom into a specific setting. They then explain to the class why they chose those specific 'mood' tools.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

You need a big painted background to show where you are.

What to Teach Instead

Students often think 'scenery' is the only way to show setting. By using 'physical theatre' (using their bodies to be trees or walls), they learn that the actors create the world for the audience.

Common Misconception

Setting doesn't change how a character acts.

What to Teach Instead

Children might play every scene the same way. Simulation exercises help them realize that a character who is 'brave' might still walk carefully if the setting is a 'slippery mountain ledge'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 'Elements of Drama' for Year 2?

At this level, we focus on Role, Situation, and Space. Setting the Scene specifically targets 'Space' (where the action happens) and 'Situation' (what is going on).

How can I use 'levels' to show setting?

Encourage students to use chairs (high), the floor (low), and standing (medium). High levels can represent mountains or treetops, while low levels can represent tunnels or being underwater.

How does student-centered learning help with scene setting?

When students have to 'build' a scene themselves using only their bodies and a few props, they become active problem-solvers. They have to think critically about the most important features of a place (e.g., 'What makes a forest look like a forest?') which leads to much deeper artistic engagement.

How do I teach 'atmosphere' to young children?

Relate it to feelings. Ask, 'If this room was a spooky castle, would it feel warm or cold? Would we move fast or slow?' Atmosphere is just the 'feeling' of a place, created by light, sound, and movement.

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