Upper elementary drama lessons, play scripts, and activities for grades 3–5.
Looking for drama lessons and play scripts that work well for upper elementary students? This collection for grades 3–5 includes age-appropriate drama activities, theatre games, and scripts for children ages 9–11. These carefully selected Drama Notebook resources help students strengthen speaking skills, imagination, teamwork, and self-confidence while making drama class fun, structured, and easy to teach.
Teaching Resources
Getting Started and Planning
Everything you need to organize and plan a year of teaching drama.
12 page, easy-to-follow outline packed with activities for your first drama class!
Four pages—includes sample workshop outline for a Beginning Acting class.
One page worksheet to help you identify objectives for your drama class.
Fill one of these in for every drama class/session and stay on track with fulfilling the goals of your class/session.
20 examples of how to write a course description for your drama class. Helpful for teachers of preschool through high school.
52 drama activities organized by categories that are perfect for the beginning of the school year!
Rubrics
Simple assessment grid for grading individual students’ level of participation in acting activities in drama class. All ages.
One page worksheet that allows students to reflect on their efforts/accomplishments on a recent project or performance.
Classroom Management
32 ideas for getting your students’ attention in drama class or rehearsal. Perfect for all ages.
Don’t suffer by learning the hard way. Here are 13 pages of highly effective classroom management strategies and tips specifically for drama class!
Easy, helpful guide to making a list of rules for your drama class!
This simple yet powerful framework helps students learn to give and receive feedback in drama class. This tool fosters student voice, vulnerability, and risk-taking. It can be applied to all K-12 drama classrooms.
Awarding Bravo Tags promotes positive behavior and lets drama students show off their great choices and hard work! Just print, cut, and pass them out. Students can collect and display them in many ways.
Start and end your class with meaning! This six-page tutorial offers 12 ways to open class and six ways to end the experience.
Posters for Your Classroom
Brighten your classroom with these eight graphics that identify common spaces/elements of a theatre space.
Brighten your classroom with these eleven graphics that identify common roles in the theatre.
Brighten your classroom with these colorful graphics explaining theatre stage directions.
Brighten your classroom with these ten graphics that define common terms used in theatre.
6 printable mini-posters featuring elements of The Actor’s Toolbox: Voice, Body, Imagination, Concentration, and Cooperation.
Help everyone follow theatre rules with these colorful posters.
Brighten your classroom with these ten graphics with inspirational quotes.
Literacy / Writing
Drama Vocabulary
Fun and easy classroom game that can help students learn drama vocabulary. 30 unique bingo cards filled with words used in the theatre.
11 coloring pages to learn drama vocabulary. Features original artwork from Drama Notebook.
Students match twelve different types of roles in the theatre to their meanings.
Fun and easy classroom game that can help students learn drama vocabulary. 30 unique bingo cards filled with words used in the theatre.
Character and Playwriting Prompts
Ten funny scenes with five suggestions for how to use them. Great for elementary through high school.
Ten funny scenes with five suggestions for how to use them. Great for elementary through high school.
The playful character drawings from the Drama Notebook website will inspire students to write their own monologues.
The playful character drawings from the Drama Notebook website will inspire students to write short scenes.
The playful drawings from the Drama Notebook website will inspire students to write short scenes.
Custom worksheet for students who are working with fairy tale characters. Includes simple and advanced versions!
Custom worksheet for students who are working with animal characters. Includes simple and advanced versions!
In this community-building drama project, elementary students write short plays to be performed by high school students. Includes instructions for the process from beginning to end.
Warmups
4 pages of vocal warm-ups for drama class. Twelve fun ways for children and teens to warm up their voices!
Tongue twisters can help actors become better annunciators. Here are 42 tongue twisters ready to read aloud with your group, or print and cut apart to put in a hat.
Short Scenes
15 one-page scenes perfect to use in drama class with elementary children.
Short scenes for three actors. Best suited for elementary and middle school.
Eleven short scenes about school are perfect for elementary and middle school. Includes 10 funny scenes for pairs and one scene for three people. Also includes ideas for using the scripts and discussion questions.
15 short scenes for two or three actors. All characters are animals or mythical creatures. Best suited for elementary.
Ten short fable and folk tale scenes for early readers or English language learners.
Ten short friendship and fun scenes for early readers or English language learners.
Ten short fairy tale scenes for early readers or English language learners.
Ten short scenes about different jobs for early readers or English language learners. Each script is one page in length. Sight words and rhyming make scenes easy and fun to read.
Ten short scenes about emotions for early readers or English language learners. Each script is one page long and contains a discussion prompt at the end. Sight words and rhyming make scenes easy and fun to read.
Nine short scenes and discussion questions based on SEL concepts of Respect, Empathy, and Cooperation. Perfect to use in class with ages 6-11.
Nine short scenes and discussion questions based on SEL concepts of Gratitude, Honesty, and Creativity. Perfect to use in class with ages 6-11.
Nine short scenes and discussion questions based on SEL concepts of Responsibility, Perseverance, and Courage. Perfect to use in class with ages 6-11.
Drama Activities & Lessons
18 pages. If you are working with students, ages 5-8, this lesson plan will dramatically reduce your planning time!
Here are 40 of the most well-known drama games for you to play with your students.
Everything you need to plan which drama games to use in class. This lesson explains the different categories of games and how to introduce them so students build on skills. Perfect for upper elementary, middle, and high school drama classes.
Eighteen drama activities that can help the members of your group (and you) to learn each other’s names quickly!
70 drama activities that can help your group become excellent collaborators and to take risks individually as actors.
70 drama activities that can help your group members become more clear, present and focused.
Over 100 ways for students to become comfortable in their bodies onstage and to learn stage movement techniques.
25 drama activities designed to help your students practice projecting and articulating their voices.
List of 30 more children’s books to use in drama class. 13 pages long. Includes extra information on each title!
Collection of 150 drama games and activities that work specifically with younger students (ages 3-6).
‘Become’ is a classic drama activity in which students ‘become’ appliances, household items, flowers, and even weather! 10 pages. Includes three pages of prompts!
Easy tutorial for making sock puppets with students of all ages. A low-stress and creative project that can be completed in one class period.
30 easy action-oriented pantomimes for younger students and 36 more difficult pantomimes for older students.
10 great warm-ups for a pantomime lesson and 30 inventive activities to use right away with your group!
Space Walk drama lesson plan. 11 pages, includes instructions for 13 different versions of this exercise, complete with over 100 prompts.
The Statues drama activity is one of the most popular theatre games among students. Here is a 5-page detailed lesson plan. It includes eleven variations, discussion questions and nearly 100 suggestions for types of statues.
List of 37 distinct emotions for drama class. Ready to print out and put in a hat for use with improvisational situations/games.
Popular Scripts
Most of the plays on Drama Notebook have flexible casting. Here are just a few popular titles. Check out the full script library HERE.
Flexible casting for 10+ characters. Approximately 10 minutes running time. Narration and rhyming make it perfect for elementary and middle school. Suggestions for adding more Lewis Carroll poetry to your performance.
10+ characters, flexible casting. Approximately 15 minutes long. Original script by Laura Rohrman and her young students.
8-13+ characters. 10 minutes running time. The animals of the forest gather to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
15+ characters of any gender. Approximately 20 minutes running time. Dolly has a hard time fitting in because she looks different, but it is her uniqueness that ultimately saves the day. Comedy for all ages by Chuck Novatka.
6-31 characters, flexible casting, approximately 30 minutes long. 13 scenes all set in a kitchen.
6-20+ characters, 15 minutes long. A piece of art is stolen during a fancy fundraiser at the art museum.
15 minutes long. Parts for 25+ actors. Original monster-themed play best suited for ages 5-11. (3 credits.)
12+ characters, flexible casting. Approximately 30 minutes long. Includes songs from the public domain. Comedy adventure script based on the classic story of Peter Pan.
18 minutes long. Parts for 12+ actors. Original pirate-themed play best suited for ages 7-13.
10 minutes long. Parts for 20+ actors (flexible cast). Best suited for ages 6-10. Includes study guide, production notes and more! (3 credits.)
15+ characters, approximately 15 minutes long. It’s the day of the big talent show, but Kai has no special skill to perform. When things start to go wrong, Kai saves the day. This play about kindness and cooperation is perfect for elementary students.
5-30 characters (13 characters as written), approximately 10 minutes running time. When the shop owner leaves, all the toys come to life! (1 credit)
Full-length play for 20-60 actors. Features ten fables told individually. Approximately 45 minutes running time. Flexible cast! (10 credits.)
9 characters, flexible casting. Approximately 20 minutes long. Winnie the Pooh and his friends help Piglet learn to read. Perfect for elementary and middle school. Focus on SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)
16+ characters, flexible casting, and approximately 30 minutes long. Abridged play script based on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz. Perfect for children and teens.
Directing Plays
For even more directing resources and organizing tools, check out the full directing section HERE.
Here are all the basic elements of stage direction and movement in one 13 page tutorial!
Two page lesson that teaches a specific theatre technique that will finally get your students to face the audience!
Do you ever wonder how to keep everyone occupied at rehearsal? This resource is full of strategies to keep kids engaged so you can focus on directing.
Keep track of all the scenes you’ve worked on from blocking through tech week. Whether you are rehearsing a simple play with kids, or a full-length musical, these checklists are a lifesaver.
This audition rubric is a perfect tool for tracking and taking notes during an audition. Just print out the template and add a plus, check, or minus symbol to each area of the actor’s toolbox.
Editable audition form template for elementary or primary school productions.
Video Learning
Popular video learning for those teaching ages 9-11
In this engaging professional development video, elementary drama teachers will discover fresh strategies, classroom-tested activities, and practical tools to boost student engagement and creative expression. Whether you’re refining your curriculum or looking for new inspiration, this video delivers clear, actionable ideas to help you build a vibrant, confidence-building drama program.
Plan a year of drama with confidence and creativity. In this helpful video, you’ll learn how to map out a full year of engaging lessons that build skills, spark imagination, and keep students excited from day one to the final bow. Perfect for drama teachers ready to turn big ideas into a clear, powerful plan.
Bring clarity, creativity, and flow to every class period! In this quick, practical video, you’ll learn a simple structure for guiding students from warm-up to wrap-up with purpose and energy. Perfect for drama teachers who want smooth, engaging, and inspiring class periods-every time.
Learn how to set up your drama classroom and what things you need to make it fun, organized, and inspiring for everyone.
Choice Time doesn’t have to be chaos! In this quick video you’ll learn how to create and support open play in your drama classroom so students can explore and discover on their own.
Step into the director’s chair with confidence! This engaging video breaks down the directing process into simple, achievable steps. Learn how to cast effectively, rehearse with purpose, manage young performers, and bring a script to life—while keeping the experience fun and stress-free. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create a successful, joyful production from day one.
Turn classroom chaos into creative flow! In this short, engaging video, you’ll learn practical, drama-specific classroom management strategies that keep energy high, behavior positive, and every student ready to shine. Perfect for new and seasoned drama teachers alike, it’s your backstage pass to a smoother, more joyful classroom experience. Lights up, stress down!
Set the stage for success! In this short video, you’ll learn how to co-create meaningful classroom agreements that build trust, spark collaboration, and empower students to take ownership of their drama space. Discover simple, creative strategies that transform your classroom into a safe, supportive place where every student feels ready to take bold risks. Perfect for any drama teacher ready to make the magic happen from day one!
Unlock the power of meaningful feedback in your drama classroom! This easy-to-use framework teaches students to give and take feedback and also helps you assess student engagement and understanding. Watch this video and learn how to incorporate this powerful Feedback Framework into your drama classroom and rehearsal.
Share this video with your drama students to learn the traditions and rules we all need to follow so everyone can have a positive experience in class or rehearsal. Discover simple, engaging ways to embody the focus, courtesy, and teamwork that are essential in the theatre.
Boost your drama students’ confidence with five fun and engaging activities that strengthen vocal projection on stage.
This video gives teachers practical strategies to help young actors add expression and dynamics to their lines on stage. Perfect for guiding students to perform with energy and confidence. Learn how the 5 Ps can transform your lines from flat to fabulous!
For Teachers and Students
Unlock the secret to better performances in class and on the stage. Drama warmups aren’t just fun-they’re essential. This video shares practical tips for making warmups engaging and energizing for all ages.
This fun video guides children through a vocal acting warmup, helping them strengthen their voices, express emotions, and get stage ready.
This engaging video will unlock The Actor’s Toolkit for you and your students. Learn how to use the Voice, Body, Imagination, Concentration and Cooperation to create characters for the stage. Perfect for building strong, versatile actors from day one.
This video will teach your students the 10 essential rules of improv and drama games. Help them think on their feet, work together, and bring every scene to life with confidence and creativity.
