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 at 9:00PM ET!

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.

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

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.

After reading chapter 8, what are your thoughts on using drama in the classroom? 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 Get started on the final project.

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. Be sure to capitalize the letter I when using it alone.

Final Project For your Unit 9 Project, you will select activities that encourage children to think and act creatively and identify ways to incorporate creative activities in early childhood care settings. Choose any of the following age groups and find three (3) activities that will nurture and encourage the creativity of that particular age group and explain how it can be used in the classroom. Use the template provided to complete your project. 6 Weeks to 1 Year 2 – 4 Years 5 – 7 Years 8 – 10 Years 10 – 12 Years

Final Project Continued Each activity should have its source noted. A citation for the source should be given on the references page. Your explanations should be written in complete sentences and organized into paragraphs. The portfolio also should include: A title page A references page

Something to Remember The final course in your degree program will be a capstone course. This course culminates with the development of an electronic portfolio where you will showcase samples of your learning throughout this program. Therefore, you will want to save this is an example of your learning to include in your portfolio. Be sure to save your projects in a secure place so you will be able to access them when you take the capstone course.

Ways to get help! your instructor Visit your instructor on AOL Instant Messenger 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.