Adrian Spencer
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Theatrical Arts

Picture
Frances Benjamin Johnston [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The theatrical arts, a sub-type of performing arts and sometimes grouped with dance and the kinesthetic arts, include expression such as drama/theatre, musicals, and other dramatic arts (Jensen, 2001). The imagistic elements that are the foundation of theatre are likely innate, and the formation of language then allowed for the establishment of what became theatre as we know it today and for its success in human culture (Rozik, 2002). The effects of theatre on culture can be as obvious as a political performance piece, or more subtle, as theatre provides people the opportunity to safely explore different norms, themes, and ideas (Kershaw, 1992, p. 24). Drama and roleplay can be a fun way for children to learn and practice social skills (Wright, n.d.).
Learn More
Picture
CC by 2.0 via Tup Wanders

Benefits

Sociodrama, which combines theatre techniques and social relationships in specific and goal-based activities, can:
  • Increase self-confidence
  • Improve self-expression
  • Encourage caring relationships (McLennan, 2007)
Shadow-puppet theater can improve:
  • Literacy (fluency and comprehension)
  • Cooperative learning
  • Oral reading confidence
  • Social negotiation
  • Student engagement and motivation
  • Problem-solving skills (Peck & Virkler, 2006)
Learn More
Picture
By Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/638929) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Classroom Implementation

Theatre can be incorporated into the classroom by having students retelling a story or an event (with their own bodies or with something such as shadow-puppet theatre), through the use of tableaux, by having students improvise based on a character (see sample lesson plan) or historical figure, and many other methods.
Sample Lesson Plan

Back to Creative Arts

Jensen, E. (2001). Arts with the brain in mind. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Kershaw, B. (1992). The politics of performance: Radical theatre as cultural intervention. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis.
McLennan, D. (2007). The Benefits of Using Sociodrama in the Elementary Classroom: Promoting Caring Relationships Among Educators and Students. Early Childhood Education Journal, 35, 451-456. doi:10.1007/s10643-007-0195-2
Peck, S., & Virkler, A. (2006). Reading in the Shadows: Extending Literacy Skills Through Shadow-Puppet Theater. The Reading Teacher, 786-795. doi:10.1598/RT.59.8.6
Rozik, E. (2002). The roots of theatre: Rethinking ritual and other theories of origin. Iowa City, IA: University of Iowa Press.
Wright, L. (2014, April 28). 4 Social Situations to Role-Play With Your Grade-Schooler. Retrieved December 10, 2015,
Last updated: 01/2016
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  • Home
  • About
    • Resume & CV
    • Contact Me
  • Administrators
    • Educational Philosophy >
      • Theorists
      • Models
    • Classroom Management >
      • Classroom Design >
        • Minimum-Maximum
        • Personalized Learning
      • Strategies
    • Subject Integration >
      • Health & PE >
        • Fitness
        • Nutrition
        • Physical Health
        • Psychosocial Health
      • Creative Arts >
        • Dance & Kinesthetic Arts
        • Musical Arts
        • Theatrical Arts
        • Visual Arts
    • Sample Lessons
  • Families
    • Rules & Procedures
    • Sample Schedules
    • Letter to Parents
    • Family and Community Outreach
    • Resources
    • What's Happening
  • Students
    • Quick Links
    • Skill Practice >
      • Primary Skill Practice >
        • Primary YouTube
        • Primary WebQuests
      • Elementary Skill Practice >
        • Elementary YouTube
        • Elementary WebQuests
      • Intermediate Skill Practice >
        • Intermediate YouTube
        • Intermediate WebQuests
      • Secondary Skill Practice >
        • Secondary YouTube
        • Secondary WebQuests
    • Recommended Reading >
      • Band 0
      • Band 1
      • Band 2
      • Band 3
      • Band 4
      • Band 5
      • Band 6
    • Career Explorer