Tell Tale Heart
Tell Tale Heart (ages 13-14)
This scheme of work introduces the classic Edgar Allan Poe tale. Students will learn how lighting and sound can be used to create suspense and how dramatic pauses can be used to build tension. Abstract and documentary drama techniques are introduced and supported with the atmospheric Danse Macabre (music file included).
The scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.
- Lesson 1: Introduction To The Story. Students deconstruct the tale and produce a frozen picture of key moments linked with slow motion transitions.
- Lesson 2: “I Was Never Kinder To The Old Man.” Introducing lighting to change atmosphere and create suspense.
- Lesson 3: Nosy Neighbours And Police. Learn how to portray and sustain a character through body language and facial expression.
- Lesson 4: Documentary Drama. Creating tension using studio reports, field reports and voices in the head.
- Lesson 5: Abstract Drama. Building nightmarish dream sequences using sound effects, pauses and creepy music.
- Lesson 6: Assessment. Students rehearse and perform a piece of drama from the module for assessment.
Supporting materials include
- Story: The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe
- Music: Danse Macabre and News Theme (in MP3 format)
Additional resources are included in the appendices
- End Of Unit Self-Assessment Form
The document is supplied as a ZIP file. It contains the scheme of work (PDF, readable on most computers) along with 2 music files (MP3 format).
