Role playing

Storypaths are a great example of role playing problem-solving with social studies content. I've helped second graders become scientists on an underwater sea lab, third graders become townspeople wrestling with a decision about build a shopping mall, and fifth graders playing the roles of Boston colonists responding to the events leading up to the American Revolution. I've noticed that in role plays, students become actively and sometimes passionately involved in their roles. Sometimes students who are shy come forward to volunteer as leaders, showing a whole different personality in their role.

I wonder if State Studies: The Visitor's Center is available to fourth grade as a framework for studying regions?

I've also used short (3 minute) role plays for acting out social situations, either proactively or in response to conflicts. Some role plays I've done with kids: asking someone to play, what to say if someone says no, how to respond to put-downs... Responsive classroom includes roleplays as part of collaborative problem solving.

I look forward to our online role play. After experiencing it, I will consider ways that this could work in grade 4.