Theatrical Arts
Introduction
Theatrical arts are essential in the education of a child. Performing arts gives opportunities for children to express their emotions and experiences in front of a crowd. They include acting, dancing, recitations, spoken word, public speaking, dancing, to mention a few. Theatrical arts are essential to children because they improve a child’s ability to associate with other people, boost their self-awareness, and make them more responsible as they grow (Foster et al., 2017).
Social and Emotional Benefits of Theatrical Arts to Children
Performing arts offers many benefits for a child. Children who participate in these activities gain social skills. They improve me on their communication skills. Theatrical arts such as acting make children learn how to read body language and other non-verbal communication. They also learn at a young age how to listen attentively and follow instructions. Performing arts also make children more creative. They are introduced to problems affecting the world. This makes them better positioned to develop problem-solving skills, which are ingredients to creativity and innovation (Zarobe and Bungay, 2017). This creativity also spills to their academic performance. Research has shown that children involved in extra curriculum activities tend to perform better than others. These kids also have better soft skills, which they learn at a tender age.
Theatrical arts also make children more emotionally more robust than others. It gives them emotional intelligence. Children learn how to continually think about what they have learned, which makes them develop intelligently and emotionally. They also learn attributes such as empathy and etiquette. This makes them more aware of how their actions impact others. Additionally, they learn how a project can be affected by negative feelings and emotions.
It also gives them the ability to deal with failure and become more resilient. Performing art is characterized by fear, embarrassment, and mistakes. Theatrical arts make children emotionally stable, able to accept constructive criticism and enable them to learn from their mistakes. They learn the importance of trying out things without giving up. These skills become instrumental even in the future as life is characterized by failure, rejection, and learning how to deal with that makes life easier. Children learn to face their fears at a young age makes them more confident. As they perform for crowds, they become confident with their abilities. They learn how to control their emotions, thus becoming less anxious and more confident. Arts also make children open to shifting away from their comfort zones as they are confident with their abilities.
Role of Teachers in Supporting Emotional and Social Needs Through Drama
Teachers can use drama to improve emotional and social skills in children. This can be through teaching children the necessary skills they need to be involved in drama plays. For children to gain these skills, it requires a teacher to be patient with them, guide them, and offer the assistance they may need. A teacher should teach children other soft skills such as excellent communication, problem-solving and emotional intelligence. For a drama play, in case of conflicts and disagreements, a teacher has the responsibility to help children solve their differences and restore right relationships (Dorff, 2020). The presence of a teacher during drama plays also gives some children mental and emotional strength.
Role of Classroom Environment Play in Creating a “Safe Space” for Drama
The classroom setting creates a safe environment for children. A teacher has a better view of children who are performing and those who are offering the audience (Dorff, 2020). This provides some safety level as he/she can see and correct any behavior in kids that jeopardize their safety. Additionally, a classroom has a layout and equipment that adhere to safety measures making it safer for children.
References
Foster, E. M., & Marcus Jenkins, J. V. (2017). Does participation in music and performing arts influence child development? American Educational Research Journal, 54(3), 399-443.
Zarobe, L., & Bungay, H. (2017). The role of arts activities in developing resilience and mental wellbeing in children and young people a rapid review of the literature. Perspectives in Public Health, 137(6), 337-347.
Dorff, J. B. (2020). Arts and Education on Display. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 52(3), 127-127.