Friday, April 11, 2014

Why School Plays For Middle School Learners Are Beneficial

By Anita Ortega


One of the most dynamic and useful ways in which to educate kids going through formal schooling is by having learners at all levels participate in dramatic or theatre activities in the classroom. There are many, excellent advantages to the structured use of theatre activities for educational purposes. For one, it helps to bring subject matter to life in a way that is great fun, and that involves active participation from learners. Moreover, there are also many benefits to school plays for middle school kids especially, that go far beyond the immediate environment of the classroom.

Children that go through play rehearsals develop and build a set of educational and social skills that cover a variety of areas. Aside from coaching in drama skills, kids also get to develop thinking, creative, and physical ones. Moreover, learning social and interpersonal skills are also being encouraged, with learners receiving feedback from teachers and others in the process.

Learning through participating in theatrical activities also benefits academic skills and performance. For one, kids have to understand and memorize lines and actions. This also requires concentration and focus, skills that are necessary to excel in other areas of learning. Numerous studies show that participation in drama in the classroom boosts children's academic performance scores, and also generate more interest in study material.

One of the great benefits of acting in classroom dramas is the healthy sense of confidence it creates in kids. Taking part in these actions necessitate that children speak clearly, meaningfully, and powerfully. What the young ones thus learn bears emotional and psychological advantages that will serve them good when leaving the formal educational setting.

These activities also help to foster social interaction and cooperation in children. A play is in essence a cooperative venture. It requires from kids to work towards a common goal, and to learn to resolve differences and obstacles as a group.

Young learners also develop empathy, one of the most vital social and interpersonal skills there are. Though the interactions in a play involve relating to fictional characters, the emotions and messages are nevertheless real. These require the willingness and openness to listen to what others are saying and doing, and to respond appropriately.

Through participation in drama and theatre in schools children lay a sound foundation for future careers that involve public speaking. These include ones like acting, the theatre, television, politics, the law and teaching, for example. Dramatic activities in a child's schooling career are thus an excellent starting point for preparing kids for a variety of possible future work opportunities.

On a psychological level, being part of a drama group, or taking part in classroom activities that involve regular play acting, there are many tremendous benefits. Shy children have the opportunity to learn self-expression in a fun environment. Kids that don't want to be in the spotlight can play a less central role on stage, by helping to manage lighting and props, for instance. Learning through dramatic activities in class makes education fun, and comes with heaps of other developmental and personal advantages.




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