Materials
Wallpaper sample books
Scissors
Clear contact paper
Zipper-closure plastic bags
Instructions
1. Creative dramatics is pretending you are something that you're not. All
children dramatize to various degrees. Following are some tips for
encouraging creative dramatics.
Plan classroom dramatizations. This allows children to "try out" various
roles, increases their oral language development, and provides opportunities
for them to work together to meet common goals. Begin by playing "Let's
pretend to be..." or acting out familiar fingerplays and/or songs.
Re-enact a favorite story. Familiarize children with the story through several
readings, then select and prepare characters. Be sure to repeat (over several
days/weeks) the dramatization until all the children have a turn to be the part
of their choice. Begin the dramatization by telling the story to yourself.
Pause to give children the chance to join in at the appropriate times, and stop
when children pick up their lines and your narration is no longer necessary.
2. Keep the following things in mind when planning classroom dramatics:
Dialogue doesn't have to be word-for-word to be beneficial and meaningful.
Productions can be spontaneous. Props and costumes are wonderful, but not
necessary for children to gain the benefits offered from creative dramatics.
3. As with all creative endeavors, the process is more important than the product!