Anyone teach a drama class?

[ReadingMama]

I've been asked to teach a drama class for homeschooled kids ages 5-15. While I have experience in theater, I don't have experience teaching drama. The class will be a basic introduction to drama with lots of drama games, an overview of the types of theater, an exploration of the kids' talents/gifts, and a skit at the end of the session. I need advice! Any tips? Any good books I should read? Any complete syllabi that I can steal??? This is a co-op class, not a paying class--so there's not really money for costumes and sets.

[TEAK's Mom]

I may be doing the same, so I'm just here to swipe your replies.

[ReadingMama]

Have you done any brainstorming yet? If so, what are you thinking about doing? I think I need a Teaching Drama to Kids for Dummies book!

[bella_stranger]

suggestions...

how fun!
an activity that I would suggest is a fictional newscast that the kids put together in smallish groups.

also, if you can get the kids to choose an every-day activity to act out in pantomime, and then when they are done, the rest of the group has to guess what they were doing.

a good way to get kids to loosen up and work on their stage confidence is to play "Make 'em Laugh"... where one person sits on a stool, and each kid gets a turn to try and make them laugh without touching them, by singing a song, telling a silly joke, doing a funny accent, dancing, etc.

I don't know of any good books on the topic, but I imagine there has to be some...