Dramathemes. Rev. ed.

Sheree Haughian is an elementary-school teacher-librarian in
Orangeville, Ontario.

The value of imaging and paraphrasing in reading comprehension is not to
be underestimated. What better way than drama to lift print into its
endless possibilities? Yet many classroom teachers who are not drama
specialists may be reluctant to involve their students in this powerful
learning strategy. Larry Swartz, a teacher and consultant, originally
wrote Dramathemes “with the intention of giving teachers a traveling
companion as they embark on drama journeys in their classroom.” This
revised edition updates the games, activities, and sources related to
the 10 themes of the original book.

Dramathemes is both well structured and highly creative. An overview at
the beginning links such themes as mystery, fantasy, and folklore to the
dramatic activities suggested and to the literary genre that is their
richest source. Each chapter starts with specific learning outcomes and
concludes with an assessment page that focuses on a particular skill—a
boon to teachers unsure of how to place drama in the scheme of
expectation and evaluation. A bibliography of recommended books provides
teachers with a literary springboard for various drama structures.

At a time when “whole language” has taken on a nasty ring due to
dubious instructional practices in some classrooms, it is wonderful to
find a book that both celebrates the joy of language and advocates the
acquisition of necessary skills. Dramathemes stands as a refreshingly
competent antidote to the “broken language” systems now moving high
on the wheel of popularity. It is highly recommended.