Tell Tale Heart
Tell Tale Heart teaching Unit

Tell Tale Heart

Drama Teaching Unit for 8th Grade (6 Lesson Plans)

This teaching unit 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 music included (Danse Macabre).

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.

Tell Tale HeartTooltip

The teaching unit 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 module is supplied as a ZIP file. It contains the teaching unit (PDF, readable on most computers) along with 2 music files (MP3 format).