At Lincoln High School in Stockton, California, educators are enthusiastic about a theater arts program that claims far-reaching educational benefits for students of many ages and types. (JM)

The effects of two types of play experiences (constructive and dramatic) on 64 preschool children's perspective-taking performance were studied. (Author/MP)

Describes the use of Bertolt Brecht's theories regarding literature and performance. Details the selected use of Reader's Theatre techniques in analyzing and staging literature in the secondary classroom environment. (JMF)

This article gives many suggestions for using drama in the foreign language classroom. (CFM)

A teacher of gifted elementary students discusses her class's annual Shakespeare project which involves studying his life, reviewing familiar passages, and finally presenting one of his plays. (CL)

Examined the influence of curriculum preparation on children's content knowledge of dramatic play centers' themes, dramatic play behavior, and theme-relevant conversation during play. Found that theme familiarity may have been a critical factor. Posttest content knowledge was positively related to frequency of dramatic play. Teacher effects on…

Discusses how prop boxes enhance learning and are resources in multicultural and nonsexist primary education, focusing on play, experimentation, and cooperation. Examines integration of prop boxes into the curricula and activities, and presents examples of generic and specific multicultural prop boxes that incorporate art, music, foods,…

Asserts that a kinder, gentler version of the Socratic method can help students recognize contradictions between the values they espouse and the choices they make. Suggests that well-aimed questions actively engage learners by forcing critical thinking about ethics and values. Hypothetical dilemmas, like those in the video series "The Power…

Reviews articles from the "Journal of Research in Childhood Education" on the advantages of decreased teacher-student ratio, cross-cultural child development comparisons, developmentally appropriate classroom play, teacher choices related to observational schemes; cross-typed sexual roles and children's perception, and the positive…

Discusses "socio-play," an innovative Soviet educational philosophy geared to developing individual and group creativity using theatrical techniques in the classroom. Describes how to use several theatrical games and acting techniques in the classroom, and discusses results. (SR)

States that the need for developing creative thinking is currently seen as one of the most pressing needs in the Soviet Union. Describes an innovative aesthetic elementary education program in which students, teachers, and parents work together. (SR)

Two experiments with eight language handicapped and four nonhandicapped preschool children examined the process of training preschool children to act out themes and exchange roles according to sociodramatic play scripts. Results suggested that such a program may benefit both handicapped and nonhandicapped children by enhancing interaction and…

Studies the effects and interactions of a planned curriculum and 4 different sequences of oral reading, dramatic activities, and theatrical production on ninth grade students' communication skills, knowledge, comprehension, and attitudes toward self and theater. Reports significant improvement in communication skills and attitudes toward self and…

A program is described in which drama is used as an integral educational tool in conjunction with the study of literature, social studies, and history. The program adapts drama as a forum for presentations, debates on history or present-day events, and the study of biographies of great people. (JDD)

Describes how to introduce a Shakespeare play by having students act out and discuss an edited, pivotal scene from the play. Suggests various scenes which are well-suited to this activity. (MM)