40 Days Around the World Digital Arts Festival

1. Thought Tracking is:
 A pupil stepping into role as a character from
a story or drama;
 They are asked to say what they are thinking
or feeling at certain points;
 Other pupils may take turns to say what the
character is thinking also.
 A way into discussion and debate over
motivation and characterisation.

2. Learning Intentions
 To adopt a role using Thought Tracking.
 To develop character.
 To use voice, gesture, facial expression
and/or movement to express role.
 To think as the character in a given situation.
 To develop mutual understanding and
empathy.
This can lead on to
‘Character Transfer’ activities.

3. Activity
 Read or recap the story/ extract.
 Discuss the context, situation, character.
 Act out the scene and freeze at certain moments.
 Thought track.
 Discuss and allow others to take on role.
 Evaluate what makes the role play convincing.
This can lead on to improvisation activities using the
known characters in different situations or contexts.

4. Example
 Read through the pre-murder scene in
‘Macbeth’, Act 2, Scene 1.
 Discuss how we feel about Macbeth
and what he intends to do.
 Pupils predict what might happen.
 A pupil takes on the role and uses
scripts or talks off-script in their own
words.

5. Thinking Skills
and Personal Capabilities
Are you doing any of these things?
MI Ask focused questions.
Communicate with a sense of
audience and purpose.
WWO Listen actively and share
opinions.
PS/DM Make predictions, examine
evidence, distinguish fact from
opinion.
BC Seek out questions to explore.
Experiment with ideas and
questions.
SM Compare own approach with
others.

6. Evaluation
Were you able to take on the role?
 Did you use voice, Gesture, Facial Expression or
Movement to develop the character and the effect on the
audience?
Did you listen closely to others and respond to their
ideas?
Do you think you understand the character and the
situation better?

7. Evaluation
Were you able to take on the role?
 Did you use voice, Gesture, Facial Expression or
Movement to develop the character and the effect on the
audience?
Did you listen closely to others and respond to their
ideas?
Do you think you understand the character and the
situation better?