Teaching Drama: Discussion

Dear Tracey,

It was interesting to learn about how drama can be such a powerful tool for students and teacher alike to engage deeply with learning across the curriculum and beyond, exploring broader human issues (Bird, Donelan, Freebody, O’Toole, Sinclair 2012; Dinham, 2014). The potential for everyone to explore a range of content and social roles without getting in trouble or being judged is especially important in young children who are starting to think about their own position within wider society (Ackroyd & Boulton 2001; Dinham, 2014). Also, drama is FUN and the ability to process life through play is so important for children (and all of us!) and that is what drama allows children to do (Bird et al., 2012; Dinham, 2014).

When teaching drama it is important that teachers establish a safe place where students feel able to explore without judgement (Bird et al., 2012; Dinham, 2014). It needs to be safe both emotionally and physically for students to be able to feel truly free to engage with drama (Dinham, 2014). Providing opportunities for students to de-role is also vital when teaching drama (Bird, et al., 2012), especially when exploring sensitive/emotional topics.

Here are some photos of me 'freeze framing' some emotions discussed in Fox by Margaret Wild.

                                                                              Jealousy:

Belonging:

Dispair/Shock:

Yours sincerely,

Kelda

References:

Ackroyd, J., & Boulton, J. (2001). Drama lessons for five to eleven year olds. London: David Fulton.

Bird, J., Donelan, K., Freebody, K., O’Toole, J., Sinclair, C. (2012). Drama: Social Dreaming in the 21^st Century. In C . Sinclair, N. Jeanneret & J O’Toole (Eds.), Education in the Arts (2^nd Ed) (pp. 65- 90). South Melbourne: Oxfore University Press.

Dinham, J. (2014). Delivering authentic Arts education. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning Australia.

Wild, M. (2000). Fox. Crows Nest: Allen & Unwin.