Techniques used in dramatics are proposed as a means of opening up students' self-expression and improving linguistic production in the language class. Specific approaches and activities are described. (MSE)

The Arts Partners program in New York City enriches the quality of education for public school children by bringing local artists into their classrooms. Gifted and special education classes are brought together in mixed groups, led by artists, to work on puppetry and participatory dramatics. (TE)

When producing school plays, teachers can prepare students for the tryouts to avoid student frustration over the reality that everyone cannot play the lead. Suggestions include talking before the tryouts, meeting with those who are trying out, inviting students to participate in the crew, getting parents involved, being honest, and double casting…

Reviews research on the use of sociodramatic play in developing preschool literacy skills, outlines the development of play centers which can be used to facilitate literacy development, and offers practical suggestions for acquiring the materials needed for the construction of such centers in preschool classrooms and facilities. (MDM)

Three hundred preschoolers aged 3 through 5 were tested for their cognitive style and their preferences for different play areas. Results indicated that field-independent (FI) children (socially detached with high analytical abilities) preferred physical and block play more than field-dependent (FD) children (socially adept and sensitive) and that…

This study assessed effects of teaching sociodramatic play skills to three children (ages five to nine) with autism. Positive changes were observed in play, language, and social skills. These changes generalized across toys and settings, although little generalization to other play partners occurred. (Author/DB)

Describes a library youth participation group's creation and production of a controversial play about censorship and the freedom to read. Discussion includes performance cancellations by middle schools, news coverage, book talks, videotaping, a paper chain parade, and an intellectual freedom award. (AEF)

Suggestions for using drama to help students learn about disabilities are given by a professional theatrical group in which actors portray disabled people and answer questions in character. Steps for developing a class skit about a person with a disability and for starting a similar acting troupe are given. (DB)

Literacy materials were added to preschoolers' play areas. The teacher encouraged some of the children to use the materials. Observations revealed that children who received encouragement engaged in more literacy-related play than other children. Subsequent literacy assessments revealed no differences in literacy between the groups of children.…

Describes and discusses Critical Thinking through Drama, a methodology which offers a theater presentation (from a brief improvised scene to a staged production) integrated with other educational theater strategies, including role play, improvisation, and discussion. Notes that the methodology develops students' decision-making skills, and focuses…

Reviews research on adult intervention in children's dramatic play, citing theorists and researchers who believe that intervention is not useful at all; a balance can be struck between intervention and nonintervention; and only tutors should intervene to increase children's creativity. Concludes that most research supports appropriate intervention…

Describes the methods employed in a series of 10 3-hour drama workshops out of which came a theatre-in-education (TIE) program (delivering an antidrug message) performed at the National Chinese Theatre Association. Notes that educational theater and theater in education were virtually unknown and never before performed in Taiwan. (RS)

Examined 13 preschool classes to determine whether the voluntary literacy behavior of children could be increased by means of teacher-guided introduction of reading and writing materials into dramatic play areas. Thematic play with teacher guidance and literacy materials yielded significantly increased literacy behavior. (SH)

Offers two learning activities, based on "Make Way for Ducklings," for the reading/language arts classroom and the science classroom. Describes how these activities incorporate the use of writing, creative dramatics, and research activities designed to enhance their understanding of self-selected topics pertaining to the text. (MG)

Ways that molecular and molar semiotic analysis of children's sociodramatic play can lead to new insight into children's interpersonal relations and social development is demonstrated. The method is illustrated through analysis of play transcripts of 2 girls aged 4.5 and 5.5 years. (Author/LB)