Recommended for elementary school students! A collection of classic play ideas that will excite upper graders too
Plays performed at elementary school arts festivals and graduation ceremonies are important events that leave lasting memories for children.
For a truly memorable stage, you’ll want to choose pieces that let each child’s individuality and growth shine.
Still, many teachers and parents may be worried that “the classics are too boring” or that “the scripts are too difficult.” In this article, we introduce enjoyable plays suitable for elementary school students.
By creating a wonderful production together with classmates, it’s sure to become a cherished memory.
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Fairy Tales and Folklore (11–20)
Little Red Riding Hood
It’s one of the most famous fairy tales in the world—so famous that it’s included in the Grimms’ Fairy Tales.
Since there aren’t many characters, you could even rework the story by having multiple actors for each role, like five Little Red Riding Hoods and ten wolves.
The plot is simple and the lines are easy, so it’s perfect for a preschool play.
If the story feels too short, it might be nice to add a scene where the Little Red Riding Hoods dance in the forest.
Everyone wearing matching red hoods would surely look adorable.
PinocchioNEW!
Let’s incorporate a beloved story from films, anime, and picture books into your play! A very kind old man named Geppetto makes a wooden marionette called Pinocchio.
The wooden puppet is given life, but when he tells a lie, his nose grows longer and longer.
As he learns about courage and living honestly, he eventually becomes a real human boy—a story that reminds adults of things we often forget.
Why not choose it as the theme for your play, with the wish that children will continue to live bravely and sincerely?
Battle of the Monkey and the CrabNEW!
“The Crab and the Monkey Battle” is a story in which young crabs, who lost their parent because of a malicious monkey, take revenge together with their friends.
Everyone will think, “How could the monkey do something so awful?” after he tricks the parent crab and hogs all the delicious persimmons.
Naturally, the monkey gets his comeuppance—what we’d call a “serves you right” twist today! Because it’s a well-known tale, it’s easy to understand and lends itself well to creative adaptations.
Aim for a lively performance that conveys the important value of caring for others.
Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, and Fables (21–30)
The Mice’s SumoNEW!
An old man saw a fat mouse and a skinny mouse wrestling.
Feeling sorry for the skinny mouse, who kept losing, he fed it rice cakes.
Then the skinny mouse became able to fight the fat mouse.
The fat mouse asked the skinny mouse why, and when it heard about the rice cakes, it asked to have some too.
After both mice kindly received rice cakes, they wrestled in front of the old man to thank him and made him happy.
Though there is a gap between the two in wealth, the way they nurture their friendship without minding it and help each other grow really warms the heart.
AladdinNEW!
In one of Disney’s most popular works, Aladdin, a young man named Aladdin falls in love with Princess Jasmine and strives to gain wealth so he can marry her.
Along the way, he meets the Genie and obtains a lamp that grants three wishes.
The story has been adapted into a live-action film and is also a staple as a musical.
Because it moves so many people, why not consider adding it to your program? Audiences will surely be touched by the future the two envision as they overcome hardships.
The Ant and the GrasshopperNEW!
How about choosing Aesop’s famous fable “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” a story even preschoolers know, as your performance piece? It’s the tale of the ant, who works through the summer and prepares well for winter, and the grasshopper, who laughs at the ant and plays instead.
When winter comes and the grasshopper is in trouble, he asks the ant for help—but the scene where the ant asks, “What were you doing all summer?” is especially striking.
By knowing this story, anyone will feel how important it is to act with a plan and prepare for the future.
The Wolf and the Seven Young KidsNEW!
While the mother is away, a wolf comes to eat the kids.
However, because his voice and fur color are different, the kids realize it’s the wolf and don’t let him in.
But the wolf is a step ahead: the kids mistake him for their mother and end up unlocking the door.
The kids try to hide from the wolf, but he finds them and eats them one by one.
The only one not found is the youngest kid… It’s a story that keeps everyone engrossed in the battle of wits between the wolf and the kids, even as you anxiously wonder what will happen to the kid.
It also offers a good opportunity to learn problem-solving skills.