Radio to the Rescue.

Go "on the air" and produce a play to sharpen listening skills

In this age of satellite television, high-speed computers, and constant visual stimulation, it's not surprising that many students lack strong listening skills. You can help remedy this deficiency by using the old-fashioned, low-tech format of a radio program. Vintage radio series such as The Shadow and One Man's Family, both of which debuted in the 1930s and survived into the 1950s, presented vivid stories that unfolded in the mind's eye, rather than on a screen. Having your class produce its own radio story will help students sharpen their auditory and imaging skills, develop their critical thinking, and strengthen their confidence in individual expression. Although this interactive class project is geared to grades four through six, it can easily be adapted to any grade level.

To begin with, you'll need the basis for a script. Your class can write an original story or choose a book from which to derive a play. I initiated such a project with my fourth graders by having them read The Kid Who Ran for president, by Dan Gutman (Scholastic, 1996). It tells the adventures of enterprising Judson Moon, age 12, in his quest for high office. Other characters include Judson's genius friend, Lane, who acts as his campaign manager, and June Syers, an elderly African-American who once baby-sat for Judson and is now the young politicians vice-presidential running mate. This entertaining, fast-paced satire teaches a lesson in civic responsibility and is particularly timely for the election year.

Once you have selected a story basis for your radio play, introduce the broad fundamentals of playwriting, noting that a script should have a variety of scenes, settings, and dialogue--all of which serve to advance a narrative (see "Resources on page 11). Then divide the class into different working units. One group writes the script, the dialogue of which can be taken directly from the book or invented. The actors form another working group; members can gather to practice their lines--and be confident knowing that they can read from the script during the actual performance. Help the students put some pizzazz into their line readings by reminding them that the audience cannot rely on visual cues and will have only the voices of the actors to form its picture of the play's characters.

As the playwrights are completing their work, another group can devise the sound effects that will bring the nonverbal action to life. For instance, in our project, one scene had Lane mowing his front lawn while trying to persuade Judson to run for president. For a realistic sound effect, a student recorded the sound of his father actually mowing a lawn.

Persuade students that creating sounds from scratch can be challenging and fun. For example, crumpling a piece of cellophane in your hands sounds like the crackling of a fire. Placing your hands into a pair of hard-heeled shoes and "walking" them across a tabletop sounds like the real thing. Of course, laughter, crying, snoring, and even animal noises can be created by actors.

Finally, you can assemble a group of techies whose job is to obtain and set up the microphones, tape recorder, and any other equipment you'll need to record the play. (Your school tech coordinator or librarian can be extremely helpful here.)

Once all the elements are in place, it's time to do a run-through on tape, then listen to and critique the results. The playback was especially fascinating for my students, who were riveted by the sounds of their own voices. Something about the pure auditory nature of the project seemed to bring out the students' best instincts for non-threatening, constructive criticism. We were able to work together to improve our play and repeat the recording process until we were all satisfied.

As you and your class become engrossed in creating your own radio play, you just might develop a new appreciation for an old form of media.

Marta Heistand, an Instructor contributing editor and Teacher Advisory Board member, has taught elementary school in Dade County, Florida, for 10 years.