Analyzes the nature of the oral language interactions of French immersion students involved in a group drama about the early settlers. Finds that four language functions (informative, directive, expressive, and imaginative) were characteristic of children's interactions during group drama. Finds relationships between type of session and the…

Discusses the development of a book about Dorothy Heathcote's dramatic approach to education. Describes a lesson on "bullying" that illustrates an attempt to implement Heathcote's "Mantle of the Expert" method. (RS)

This article describes a cooperative program between the Monroe (Wisconsin) theater and arts organizations and a summer school class in which 25 students in grades 4 through 12 interested in the arts dramatized 40 original creative writing works of other students. (DB)

Presents basic rules for conducting acting classes, including suggestions for format and presentation of class activities. (PA)

Creative dramatics is advocated as a moral education strategy. Studies examining role playing as an intervention strategy are reviewed. Kohlberg's moral education theory and criticisms of it are discussed. A dramatic example is shared, and steps for implementation are outlined. (Author)

Just as director sets stage and oversees theater production, middle-level administrator plays behind scenes, ensuring that school's message is clearly developed and focused on adolescents' needs. Actors must understand and integrate message into their roles and transmit it properly to audience/students. Article honors four outstanding…

Considers question of shifts in artistic and literary style from lifespan developmental perspective, focusing on change during midlife. Using Samuel Beckett as example, demonstrates relationship between his abrupt shift to playwriting and his entrance into midlife. Notes that theories of lifespan personality development suggest parallels between…

Describes the Shakespeare Project, a multimedia system on HyperCard with a two-screen workstation linking a Macintosh, videodisc player, and video monitor. States that this project brings theater to students as a serious object of study. (MG)

Offers suggestions for writing and performing original plays with secondary students. Argues that classroom plays increase student motivation, improve reading skills, and build character. (SR)

Investigated the role of educational personnel in children's dramatic play in Icelandic preschools, how they intervened, and their views on dramatic play and their own role and function. Findings indicated that adult participation in children's dramatic play was not common and most frequently occurred outside the theme of play, although personnel…

Discusses youth theater in India, especially the programs for children in slum colonies and schools, as well as those for elitist children. Describes a "caravan" of 100-200 artists, educators, children, and book vendors who encourage young people to ask questions and read books. Includes an account of teacher workshops and an informal…

Reports results from a meta analysis of eight studies (from 1968 to 1982) that examined the effect of creative drama on the self-concept or self-esteem of school children. Finds no effects for creative drama on the self-concept of elementary school children under a variety of conditions. Suggests additional research for other affective and…

Examines 16 preschoolers' classroom literacy behaviors. Studies one student's literacy activities at home. Finds book-related dramatic play to be an important part of children's literacy interactions. Indicates each instance could be described in terms of scope of play, type of connection, purposes for play, perspective explored, sign systems…

Describes the use of improvisational drama as a tool to develop reading comprehension skills. Discusses planning improvisational drama, implementing improvisational drama, overcoming obstacles and meeting challenges, and evaluating improvisational drama. An insert summarizes what the research says about effective reading instruction. Examples of…

Describes two improvisation exercises that use organizational contexts to reinforce management theory and build management skills. Outlines rules for improv, including active listening and "yes, and" (never denying information). (SK)