Argues for the experiential study rather than the solely critical analysis of literature. Shows how to add to student enrichment and student appreciation for literature by exploring literature through body movement, the senses, voice and speech, the emotions, the imagination, and the intellect. (RL)

Notes that dramatic play is an important outlet for toddlers and small children, and that prop boxes allow children to know their world, role play, and enhance their imaginations. Provides lists for 20 different prop boxes, and information on getting started, collecting, organizing, and using prop boxes. (SD)

Defines theater as a medium in which students can channel their energies in positive and creative ways. Addresses the issue that major universities should concentrate on training secondary theater teachers rather than performance actors in order to improve theater education at the secondary level. Recommends a unification of the national theater…

Examines connections between children's social pretend play and their improvised classroom drama. Describes similarities and differences between language used to frame social pretend play and language used by teachers and students to frame the imaginary worlds of drama. (MM)

An environmental education program for children at Killerton Park (England) combines reenactment of myths and other outdoor learning activities in an effort to "re-story" the landscape and give children a sense of place in the natural world. The activities were successful in stimulating the children's creativity and sensitivity to…

Reinforces the value of drama and theater for young children. Recommends dramatic play, creative drama, theater, and television, a form of drama, as opportunities for children to learn social interaction skills and person-to-person critical thinking. Urges recognition of drama as an educational tool in the development of young children. (DLH)

Summarizes a dissertation that examines the theory and practice of dramatic play among middle school children. Finds that they are still adept and interested in dramatic play. Discusses four components describing the nature and product of the dramatic process (social interactions, metacognitive strategies, ideational processes, and content of…

Examines the creation of process drama and writing experiences in a second/third-grade classroom. Describes how the classroom teacher used process drama (involving students in imaginary, unscripted, and spontaneous scenes) as a context for learning. Notes how process drama provided a context for content area instruction along with writing…

Explores the issue of integration of drama into language arts. Presents the major objections to this process and proposes ways to overcome them. Suggests a pragmatic resolution to the controversy. (MS)

Happenings--mini-dramas 'smaller than life'--are an excellent device to get students to write and put their writing into visual form through filmmaking. (BD)

Article lists several theater games that help to develop the imagination. (GB)

Suggests that many drama teachers feel that "doing plays" runs counter to their purposes in drama. Shows that the writing of plays and the presentation of dramatic experience may be activities of the same kind, both relying on attention to context and demanding an appreciation of the ordered nature of life. (MG)

Art matters. Theater, film, paintings, writing--all forms of creative expression are an important part of people's lives. It is often through art that people reach understanding about themselves and about one another. Drama can help children find their voice. It does this because it offers an alternative form of communication. Using anything from…

Best-selling author Marcia L. Tate brings her trademark "dendrite-growing" teaching strategies to this practitioner-friendly collection of brain-compatible methods for engaging K-12 students in social studies. Included are 20 proven strategies and more than 200 grade-leveled activities for applying them. Teachers will find concrete ways to…