Eating Disorders (ages 13-14)
This unit of work explores a case study of a girl called ‘Casey’, her eating disorder and the possible causes of it. Through a range of dramatic forms the issue is dealt with sensitively allowing the students to research eating disorders, their causes and what they can do if they are suffering with one or know someone else who is.
The scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.
- Lesson 1: The Reflection. Introduction to the idea of self-image and self-esteem, with the story of ‘Casey’ expressed through the poem ‘The Reflection’, supported by the activity ‘The Mirror.’
- Lesson 2: Casey’s Family. Exploration of Casey’s story, using hot seating to understand the causes of her issues prior to developing the plot through a domestic scene.
- Lesson 3: Essence Machines. Introduction to the concept of an Essence Machines and how it may be used to heighten tension, with the students using the dramatic technique to devise a new scene.
- Lesson 4: My Poem. Students create their own poems and develop these into performances using narration, split scenes and an essence machine.
- Lesson 5: The Discovery. Voices in the head are used to show Casey’s struggle in the activity ‘Angel and Devil’ as the students develop the plot further.
- Lesson 6: A Happy Ending. Symbolic and musical elements are used by the students to conclude the story on a happier note.
Supporting materials include:
- Poem – The Reflection
- 1 piece of uplifting music
Additional resources are included in the appendices
- End Of Unit Self-Assessment Form
The unit is supplied as a ZIP file. It contains the scheme of work (PDF, readable on most computers) along with 1 music file (MP3 format).
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