Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6-12 - Paperback

by Catherine A. Franklin (Author)

"Offers educators a powerful method for making learning essential to students′ experience. Once they enter a curriculum drama, students become actors in a dynamic world that engages them intellectually, emotionally, and intuitively. They must sharpen their thinking, communicate effectively, and write and speak persuasively to be part of the action. Franklin is an imaginative and thoughtful guide taking teachers and students into the fertile territory of history brought to life."
--Judith Ghinger, Early College Liaison
The City College of New York

Make social studies accessible, relevant, and engaging with standards-based curriculum drama!

Curriculum drama is a student-centered, inquiry-based teaching method in which the teacher facilitates dramatic activities that engage students′ interest and imagination, develop critical thinking skills, and promote collaboration.

Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6-12 shows educators how to provide rigorous and innovative opportunities for students to experience the social studies curriculum firsthand, from mock trials to classroom senates to political campaigns. Rooted in constructivism, these realistic experiences develop deep knowledge and understanding as students research and take on the roles of senators, judges, lawyers, campaign managers, lobbyists, and political activists. Aligned to National Council for the Social Studies standards, this field-tested, hands-on guide features:

• Step-by-step guidelines for constructing curriculum dramas based on historical cases, current events, and the legislative process
• Sample dramas, student voices, and activity sheets to help teachers get started
• An extensive, detailed example showing what curriculum drama looks and sounds like in the classroom

Transform civics instruction into a dynamic, student-driven discourse that will help your students become informed, critically minded, socially conscious citizens.

Author Biography

Catherine A. Franklin is an assistant professor in the School of Education at The City College of the City University of New York. She teaches social studies education to both undergraduates and graduates. She began her career by teaching in schools around the world (e.g., Colombia, Japan). In New York City, she was a middle school classroom teacher for over ten years. Along with teaching social studies, literature, and writing to eighth-grade students, she worked as a cooperating teacher for student teachers who were placed in her classroom. She earned her EdD at Teachers College, Columbia University in the Curriculum and Teaching Department and her MA in international education from Lesley University. She consults on social studies education and curriculum design.