4/12/2014

Why School Plays For Middle School Learners Are Beneficial

By Anita Ortega


One of the most dynamic and useful ways in which to educate kids going through formal schooling is by having learners at all levels participate in dramatic or theatre activities in the classroom. There are many, excellent advantages to the structured use of theatre activities for educational purposes. For one, it helps to bring subject matter to life in a way that is great fun, and that involves active participation from learners. Moreover, there are also many benefits to school plays for middle school kids especially, that go far beyond the immediate environment of the classroom.

What kids learn through regularly partaking in classroom drama activities will serve the young ones well in the social environment beyond the educational institution. Children get to exercise, and receive feedback on, interpersonal communication and social skills through rehearsing and speaking lines on stage. In addition, these actions also stimulate creativity, and develop physical movements and postures that are important for overall development.

Learning about drama, and participating in these classes often, boost academic learning as well. It sharpens memory, given that kids will have to repeat and remember lines, phrases and movements. In addition, it develops vocabulary, while building the ability to focus and concentrate. What's really amazing about this way of doing things is that learners are having a great time while receiving formal instruction.

One of the great benefits of acting in classroom dramas is the healthy sense of confidence it creates in kids. Taking part in these actions necessitate that children speak clearly, meaningfully, and powerfully. What the young ones thus learn bears emotional and psychological advantages that will serve them good when leaving the formal educational setting.

These activities also help to foster social interaction and cooperation in children. A play is in essence a cooperative venture. It requires from kids to work towards a common goal, and to learn to resolve differences and obstacles as a group.

Young learners also develop empathy, one of the most vital social and interpersonal skills there are. Though the interactions in a play involve relating to fictional characters, the emotions and messages are nevertheless real. These require the willingness and openness to listen to what others are saying and doing, and to respond appropriately.

Through participation in drama and theatre in schools children lay a sound foundation for future careers that involve public speaking. These include ones like acting, the theatre, television, politics, the law and teaching, for example. Dramatic activities in a child's schooling career are thus an excellent starting point for preparing kids for a variety of possible future work opportunities.

Teaching through drama in the classroom has emotional benefits for children as well, especially for the ones that are usually reticent in a social setting. Through play acting kids get to interact in a fun, relaxed way, which encourages the generally silent ones to open up more, and participate. Teaching in this context becomes more rewarding, since children are more motivated and curious about what teachers have to impart.




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