Why Creative Dramatics?

01/20/2009

Beautiful surroundings make us happier, more creative and productive.
Melanie Falvey, designer

In her Exchange article, "Helping Teachers Become Comfortable With Creative Dramatics," Naomi Leithold presents ideas on using creative dramatics in the classroom after sharing these thoughts on why it is important:

"Helping children to build a positive self-concept is an important goal of any early childhood program. Body awareness, an understanding of how the body works, and comfort in moving your body are integral parts of a good self-image. Dramatic representation requires children to control their bodies, twisting and turning, to become something or someone else. As they take on these new roles, they are able to express themselves through both nonverbal and verbal communication. This additional mode of communication is often helpful for young children who tend to be more physical in their approach to life....

"Dramatic experiences offer another method for teaching early childhood concepts. Opposites, feelings, animals, movements, and modes of transportation are a few of the themes that can easily be introduced through creative dramatics. Pre-literacy skills are also greatly augmented by dramatic representation. When a story from a book or a story authored by a child is acted out, reading takes on a new meaning. Physical movement brings objects into a different dimension, one that is more easily understood by young children, who tend to be concrete in their thinking. Nonverbal communication also bridges the language barrier. Balls bounce up and down, no matter what language you are speaking. This additional learning tool is an advantage for meeting the differing needs and learning styles of all children."

Exchange Curriculum Resources

The article, "Helping Teachers Become Comfortable with Creative Dramatics," is included in the Exchange “Curriculum Tool Kit.” This kit packages together the following Exchange curriculum resources and is offered at a 33% discount:

Beginnings Workshops Book #4 - Curriculum: Brain Research, Math, Science
Beginnings Workshops Book #5 - Curriculum: Art, Music, Movement, Drama
Hearing Everyone’s Voice: Educating Young Children for Peace and a Democratic Community
Connecting: Friendship in the Lives of Young Children
More Than Numbers: Mathematical Thinking in the Early Years
Exchange Articles Collection #3 - Children with Differing Abilities
Out of the Box Training Kit (printed version): Recognizing the Essentials of Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

Put a sink where it’s needed most
In the classroom, or on the playground, it’s portable, self contained, and very affordable. Plumbing is NOT required. Have hot & cold running water when you need it where you need it. Ideal for hand washing with young children.

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.