The Dramatization of Bible Stories: An experiment in the religious education of childrenLobingier, Elizabeth Miller
Philosophy
The Dramatization of Bible Stories: An experiment in the religious education of children
Lobingier, Elizabeth Miller
Children's plays; Drama in education; Religious education
Scene ii takes place several years later. It is night time, and the
child Samuel is sleeping near the old priest, Eli. He thinks he hears a
voice calling him, and he runs to Eli to ask what he wants. Eli has not
called him and tells him to lie down again. Three times he runs to Eli,
thinking that he hears him calling. Then the priest tells him that it
must be the Lord who has spoken and tells Samuel what to say the next
time he is called. Samuel hears the message from the Lord and, upon
Eli's request, tells him what he has heard. Eli realizes that the Lord
has spoken truly, and accepts his fate as just. He praises Samuel and
tells him that he will soon leave the care of the temple and of the
people of Israel to him.
Neither in this play, nor in any other play, should there be an attempt
to represent the Lord's voice. The child may listen as if he were
hearing someone speaking, and from what he says and does the audience
will be aware of what is happening. For the sake of the result, from an
artistic point of view, such parts as this should always be left to the
imagination, no attempt being made to interpret them literally.
2. THE QUEEN OF SHEBA'S VISIT TO SOLOMON
I KINGS, CHAPTER 10
The visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon furnishes a unit of work for
a short one-act dramatization. There is no plot or complicated
situation involved and there is very little activity suggested. The
attention of the children may well be directed, however, to the
description of Solomon's court and of the rich gifts which were
exchanged. This is an excellent opportunity to have the children do
construction work. They should make many things which will help to give
the impression of richness to the court. They may also make their own
costumes richer by adding jewels and bright-colored sashes and
headdresses.
This little dramatization will include many children. A number will be
needed to come in with the Queen of Sheba, and there should be many
attendants upon King Solomon. The conversation will be for the most
part between Solomon and the Queen, heralds and servants making
announcements.
The play opens with the Queen of Sheba's arrival at the court of
Solomon. Messengers announce her to the King. Solomon talks with the
Queen and she tells him that she admires his great wisdom and his
wealth. Then Solomon commands that the feast be served, and while they
eat the Queen presents her gifts to Solomon. When the Queen takes her
leave Solomon gives her wonderful presents. The play will end with the
exit of the Queen and her attendants.
Unless the children put much thought upon the stage setting and the
conversation, this incident may prove uninteresting. It has, however,
great possibilities for the working out of a beautiful picture.
3. JOSHUA AND THE GIBEONITES
JOSHUA, CHAPTER 9
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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