It is often assumed that dramatisation is limited to subjects like Languages and History, but it can be creatively adapted to other disciplines like Mathematics and Science. Let’s explore how dramatisation can be used effectively across subjects.

4.3.1. Examples of dramatisation across subjects

Dramatisation in languages and social sciences 

Subjects like Languages and History naturally lend themselves to dramatisation because they involve human characters and stories. Role plays, monologues, and dialogues can vividly portray historical events, historical figures or literary scenes, making them more relatable and memorable.

For example, the Hindi chapter on Jhansi ki Rani can be dramatized as showcased in this audio track by NCERT (Youtube CC Licence) with narration, dialogues and appropriate background music. 

Topic: Ashoka

Possible dramatisation:

• Monologue: Ashoka reflecting on the destruction of Kalinga and the suffering of its people.
• Dialogue: A conversation during the battle and its aftermath.
• Scene Enactment: Ashoka embracing Buddhism and non-violence after witnessing the horrors of war.
• Tableaux: Key moments in the life of Ashoka can be portrayed.

As an example, listen to the audio recording titled “Ashoka of Magadha” (CC BY NC ND) directed by Sneha Ram by clicking here. The script of this play is available here (CC BY NC SA). 

Reflection journal:

It is advised to have learners maintain a reflective journal about their thoughts after the staging. Here are some reflection prompts:

• What emotions did Ashoka experience after witnessing the devastation?
• How did you feel when the battle scene began?
• How did the people of Kalinga feel after the war?
• How did Ashoka’s perspective change post-war?

To deepen empathy and critical thinking, encourage learners to explore perspectives beyond Ashoka’s, such as a courtier in the emperor’s durbar, a common citizen, or a warrior coping with post-war challenges. This encourages learners to discuss complex issues, like the reintegration of military personnel into civilian life and the role of defence services in peacekeeping.

Dramatisation in Science

Some may think that Science has little scope for dramatisation. However, with creativity, dramatisation can humanize concepts and bring the stories behind discoveries, processes, and the environment to life.

Topic: Digestive System

Possible dramatisation:

• Monologue: A tired stomach lamenting its workload.
• Dialogue: The teeth and tongue discussing their roles in digestion.
• Scene Enactment: Organs debating their functions or molecules reacting in a chemical process.

Topic: Discovery of Radioactivity

Possible dramatisation:

• Monologue: Marie Curie reflecting on her journey of discovering radioactivity. Here is an example of a Monologue (CC BY NC SA) enacted by Synora Dcosta.You may read the transcript in Annexure C4.4.3. 

Dramatisation in Mathematics

Mathematics, often perceived as purely factual, can also benefit from dramatisation by personifying mathematical concepts.

Topic: Geometry

Possible Dramatisation:

• Dialogue: A conversation between a ray and a line about their differences.
• Physical Theatre: Angles arguing on who is the best and most useful. You may read the script in Annexure R4.3.1.A.
• Monologue: The numeral zero express its frustrations about being misunderstood and undervalued, at the same time, it emphasises its role in mathematics. You may read the script in Annexure R4.3.1.B.

By giving mathematical entities a human voice, learners can see the subject from a fresh, creative perspective, making abstract ideas more concrete.

4.3.2. Your Turn: Dramatize a concept or event

Now it’s your chance to create a dramatisation based on a concept from your subject area.

6-Step Approach 

Step 1: Select a Concept/Topic:

Think of a topic that could benefit from dramatisation.

Step 2: Plan your dramatisation

Identify Characters: Decide who or what the focus will be  (e.g., historical figures, scientific concepts, mathematical entities).

Step 3: Build the context and draft the script

1. Create a brief storyline or setting.
2. Write a monologue, dialogue, or scene that accurately conveys the concept.
3. Maintain accuracy by making sure the dramatisation remains true to the subject.

Step 4: Evaluate your script

Before finalizing your script, ask yourself:

• Does the dramatisation present conceptual information accurately?
• Is the content relevant and factually correct?
• Does it invite reflection and discussion?

Further, you may use this single-point rubric added in Annexure I to note your strengths or areas to improve through self or peer feedback.

Step 5: Implement in your teaching:

Think about how you could use the dramatisation to

• introduce a concept, set a mood, or wrap up a lesson.
• foster empathy, mindfulness, or critical thinking, as shown in the above examples.

How would learners interact with or extend this dramatisation?

Step 6: Showcase your creation  here as a script, audio recording, or video, and include a reference to the original textbook passage you adapted.

Be creative and insightful, and remember: there’s no limit to how imaginative your dramatisations can be!

4.3.3. Template: Dramatize a concept or event

Step 1: Identify your concept

Subject:	Concept:	Grade:

Step 2: Plan your dramatisation 

Identify characters Add text here.

Step 3: Build the context and draft the script

Add text here.

Step 4: Evaluate your script

• Does the dramatisation present conceptual information accurately?⭘ Yes ⭘ No
• Is the content relevant and factually correct? ⭘ Yes ⭘ No
• Does it invite reflection and discussion? ⭘ Yes ⭘ No

Based on your evaluation, you may rework the script if required.

Step 5: Implementation plan 

How will you use this dramatisation in your teaching? (Check all that apply)

⭘ Introduction to a new concept

⭘ Review activity

⭘ Discussion prompt

⭘ Others:

How would learners interact with or extend this dramatisation?

Add texte here.

Step 6: Showcase your creation: You can upload it here .