Welcome to Unit 7! Drama and Learning It will be helpful to have your course books nearby, if possible. Feel free to chat with each other. We will begin class promptly!

Unit Seven Course Outcomes CE230-1: Identify ways to incorporate creative activities in early childhood care settings CE230-3: Describe ways children express their creativity at various developmental stages

What is creative drama? A powerful learning medium that emerges from the spontaneous play of young children. Highest level of symbolic play Children develop roles and language. Children have a natural interest in play and enjoy “acting out” events.

Creative Drama How do you think creative drama matches the developmental level and learning styles of young children? ~2 year olds ~3 year olds ~4-5 year olds

How does drama match how young children learn? Young children learn through play and experiences within their environment. Drama provides a connection between language and movement, bridging the spoken word and the real thing. Drama provides opportunities for social interaction and feedback.

Drama uses multisensory learning The dramatic arts involve three of Gardner’s intelligences: Bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, and linguistic Using different intelligences makes connections between different parts of the brain and integrated thinking.

Benefits of Creative Drama Language Development Extemporaneous Speaking Selecting words, gestures, and voices they will use as the drama is occurring. Social and Emotional Development Developing Imagination What else?

Long Term Benefits of Creative Drama Independent thinking Problem solving Collaboration Skills Empathy for others Putting creative ideas into action Development of imagination Expanded oral language development Developing moral and spiritual values Understanding of self Learning to make decisions and choices Enhanced critical thinking skills

Sociodramatic Play The imaginative play that occurs during the early years of a child’s life. Children explore familiar experiences as they take on roles, develop sequences, and use language in the activity Helps children to move from egocentric thinking to adjusting and adapting to others. Allows them to practice roles as they try to understand how the world works.

Sociodramatic Play ( continued) Centers are designed for children to play in for an extended period of time. Teacher observes and records. Use of thematic centers and prop boxes. Participation stories.

Creative Dramatics and Play Making Children participate by improvising, dialog, and action. The goal is the personal development of the players instead of a professional performance. It is guided by the teacher, but seldom includes any scenery or costumes.

Creative Dramatics (continued) Story dramatization Child-created plays Puppetry Storytelling Children as tellers

How are sociodramatics and creative dramatics the same? Take minute to think about this and then post your answer.

How are sociodramatics and creative dramatics different? Take a minute to think about this and then post your answer.

Share an example of how we can integrate socio-dramatic play and creative dramatics into an early childhood program. Do you see yourself using creative drama? Why or why not?

Weekly Reminders Complete reading Post your answer to our discussion board question and respond to several of your classmates’ posts Complete Graded Review

Discussion Board Requirements Initial post is within the 100 word-range and makes a clear connection to the unit readings. Respond to several classmates. Keep the flow of discussion going by asking questions, sharing experiences, and posting throughout the week. Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation when posting.

Ways to get help! your instructor Post your question to the Course Questions discussion board (under "Course Home" > "Course Questions")

References Isbell, R.T. and Raines, S. C. (2007). Creativity and the Arts with Young Children. Thomson Delmar Learning.