#AD – This is a collaborative post
Drama might not seem like a hugely important part of the school curriculum, especially when compared to English, Maths and Science, but it actually plays an essential role in your child’s overall learning experience. At the majority of UK schools, children are provided with a weekly drama lesson, which gives them an opportunity to develop and build upon new key skills. Performances to a bigger audience are an aspect of drama but they alone are not the only important learning objectives. A prep school near Chorleywood explores the idea in further detail below.
There are lots of benefits of drama lessons, but most predominantly, they help children become more confident. Speaking coherently and confidently is an important element of drama, which isn’t really a skill that comes naturally to all children. However, it is a skill that can be learnt. Routine drama lessons that encourage children to perform to a small group of their peers on a frequent basis will progressively increase the confidence of even the most timid of young people.
Overcoming such challenges and experimenting with new skills in a safe, regulated environment helps children conquer their concerns about speaking in front of others. Children who lack confidence will respond well to praise after performing successfully and by taking on the characteristics and body language of another character, they are able to become someone else and react to others in a unique way. This can be very therapeutic, and great fun for all.
Actually, drama can help teachers nurture confidence in other ways, not just by encouraging them to perform in front of others. For instance, some students may prefer to work their magic behind the scenes by assisting with things like lighting, sound, or even designing the set.
Drama also encourages children to perform as part of a team. Teamwork is an important skill that can be applied to various aspects of life, even in adulthood. In drama lesson, or extracurricular clubs, your child will build a relationship with children they might not have otherwise met or socialised with. If they don’t support their peers, their improvisation will fail.
Last but certainly not least, drama is great fun! Speedy improvisation games and scenarios develop intuitive responses and spontaneity. Dressing up in comical costumes is hilarious – especially when the teacher joins in… Children tend to enjoy drama and respite it offers from a normal classroom environment, and children learn best when they are happy.