Reflection #4 Drama 1

What have you learned? What are your new perspectives about using drama in your future classroom? So What kinds of activities do you think you will use most as you begin teaching? Now What - Why do children need creative drama? Why is it important to integrate drama with other curricular areas?

So far, I have learned that drama can be incorporated in the classroom, whereas I had never though possible. It can be done in a way that allows the class to have an effective learning experience.

My new perspective about using drama in my future classroom is that though I get embarrassed to act and to do silly things in front of my peers, I can use that inferior complex and understand ways that aren't as embarrassing that will get my students involved and excited about learning.

As I begin teaching, the activities that I will use most will probably be the warm-up exercises like the 'Who started the motion' game. As an activity while reading a children's book, I will use decision alley, mantle of the expert, machines, and the activity where we draw the outline of the character on a large piece of paper and write down the perspectives about him/her.

Children need drama because life is dramatic, and they need a way to deal with heavy subjects in a lighter way. They need drama because they can use the social interaction help. They also need drama because exercise, moving, and kinesthetic learning is classified as one of the best ways to engage an entire classroom in the flow and interest of learning.

It is important to integrate drama with other curricular areas because it helps liven up each subject. For instance, social studies can be boring- it's a commonly known fact-but with drama, social studies can be fun-which may not be as commonly known. I thought of this idea the other day. I could bring in George Washington style white wigs for the boys and dollar store fabric for the ladies to make wrap-around dresses. We could have a class discussion in a fancy 'tea party' setting where each member will discuss a certain assigned topic. Maybe we could even do a dance from the era. This could be a fun way to present facts and knowledge in a fun and dramatic fashion. Even history can be fun with the help of drama--now that sounds refreshing.