Summit students receive drama instruction in grades 2-9. There are many opportunities for performance. Drama is tightly woven into the curriculum at each grade level.

Second Grade In the second grade, drama classes encourage children to be creative, expressive, and spontaneous. Drama lends itself well to the social studies curriculum. In the spring during the study of Native Americans, our focus includes the creation of Native American tribes and role-playing to solve problems the Native Americans may have faced. Each child creates an original Native American character whom he/she plays in class and on Native American Day.

Third Grade Third grade drama classes continue to focus on movement, sensory awareness, exploration of feeling, concrete problem solving, and ethical reasoning. Creative imagination, cooperation, and social interaction are stressed. The curriculum area of Pioneers is the focus for the establishment of pioneering villages, with each child taking on the role of someone whose skills would have been needed in Early America.

Fourth Grade Each fourth grader studies characterization by researching, creating, and portraying a famous American. These historical characterizations come to life in May through the “Living Biographies” project. Dramatic skills are further shaped through stories, poetry, improvisation, creative movement and pantomime. Students learn to work effectively in groups and to respect and support the ideas of others.

Fifth Grade Through stories, poetry, and improvisational exercises, fifth graders discover the elements of story, use props, solve problems in original ways, and resolve dramatic conflict. Working effectively in groups and learning to respect and support the ideas of others are important aspects of this activity as well.

Sixth Grade The sixth grade play provides opportunities for memorizing lines, mastering stage movement, and understanding technical theater terms. Being part of a successful production builds self-confidence while fostering self-discipline, cooperation, and respect for others. Dramatic skills are shaped throughout the year through improvised and scripted scenes from literature. Active listening and problem-solving are also stressed.

Seventh Grade A student production of Greek mythology plays augments English and World Cultures classwork.

Eighth Grade Eighth grade students present a musical performance with students from Forsyth Vocational High School. Students also participate in the annual Junior High drama or musical.

Ninth Grade Students may participate in the Junior High drama or musical production; the graduation program includes singing and handbells.