Drama · Talking
Two sides of the story
In pairs, act out an everyday disagreement from both sides, swap roles, then choose the saying that helps you understand it.
- 25 minutes
- In pairs
- Ages 9–12, Ages 12+
- Classroom or at home
- Printable: scenario cards
What to do
- Read the four sayings and meanings at the top of the sheet together.
- Pick a situation card. Decide who plays each person in it.
- Act out the moment for two minutes, each speaking as your character.
- Swap roles and act it out again. Try to really feel what the other person feels.
- Step out of role. Talk about what each person wanted and why.
- Choose the saying that best helps you understand the situation, and say why. More than one answer can be right.
Questions to talk about
- Did swapping roles change how you saw the situation?
- Was either person completely right?
- What could each person do next?
You will need
- The printed scenario sheet, with the cards cut out
Make it fit
Simpler: An adult plays one side the first time.
More of a stretch: Act out a third version where one person uses the saying to help sort things out.
Sayings used
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The scenario cards
Two sides of the story
Act it out from both sides. Then choose the saying that helps explain it.
- AIs teann gach madra ag a dhoras féinEvery dog is bold at his own door.
- BNí buan cogadh na gcaradA quarrel between friends does not last.
- CAithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eileIt takes one to know one.
- DAn té a bhuailfeadh mo mhadra bhuailfeadh sé mé féinWhoever strikes my dog strikes me.
Cut out the situation cards. There can be more than one good answer: the reason is the point.
The instructions card
How to run it · Drama · Talking
Two sides of the story
In pairs, act out an everyday disagreement from both sides, swap roles, then choose the saying that helps you understand it.
25 minutesIn pairsAges 9–12, Ages 12+
What to do
- Read the four sayings and meanings at the top of the sheet together.
- Pick a situation card. Decide who plays each person in it.
- Act out the moment for two minutes, each speaking as your character.
- Swap roles and act it out again. Try to really feel what the other person feels.
- Step out of role. Talk about what each person wanted and why.
- Choose the saying that best helps you understand the situation, and say why. More than one answer can be right.
You will need
- The printed scenario sheet, with the cards cut out
Talk about
- Did swapping roles change how you saw the situation?
- Was either person completely right?
- What could each person do next?
Make it fit
Simpler: An adult plays one side the first time.
Stretch: Act out a third version where one person uses the saying to help sort things out.
Goes with the printable scenario cards.