Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders Teaching Unit

Eating Disorders

Drama Teaching Unit for Year 9 (6 Lesson Plans)

This teaching unit explores a case study of a girl called ‘Casey’, her eating disorder and the possible causes of it. Through a range of dramatic forms the issue is dealt with sensitively allowing the students to research eating disorders, their causes and what they can do if they are suffering with one or know someone else who is.

Each lesson plan has clearly stated objectives and learning outcomes. They are structured to include introductory warm up, development and plenary sessions. A homework task is also included.

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The teaching unit contains 6 drama lesson plans.

  • Lesson 1: The Reflection
    Introduction to the idea of self-image and self-esteem, with the story of ‘Casey’ expressed through the poem ‘The Reflection’, supported by the activity ‘The Mirror.’

  • Lesson 2: Casey’s Family
    Exploration of Casey’s story, using hot seating to understand the causes of her issues prior to developing the plot through a domestic scene.

  • Lesson 3: Essence Machines
    Introduction to the concept of an Essence Machines and how it may be used to heighten tension, with the students using the dramatic technique to devise a new scene.

  • Lesson 4: My Poem
    Students create their own poems and develop these into performances using narration, split scenes and an essence machine.

  • Lesson 5: The Discovery
    Voices in the head are used to show Casey’s struggle in the activity ‘Angel and Devil’ as the students develop the plot further.

  • Lesson 6: A Happy Ending
    Symbolic and musical elements are used by the students to conclude the story on a happier note.

Supporting materials include:

  • Poem - The Reflection
  • 1 piece of uplifting music

Additional resources are included in the appendices

  • End Of Unit Self-Assessment Form

The module is supplied as a ZIP file. It contains the teaching unit (PDF, readable on most computers) along with 1 music file (MP3 format).