Drama Curriculum
Philosophy
Drama is both an art form and a
medium for learning and teaching. It can develop the whole person -
emotIonally, physically, intellectually, imaginatively, aesthetically
and socially - by giving form and meaning to experience through
acting out. it fosters positive group interaction as children learn
to make accomadations in order to pursue shared goals.
Dramatic growth parallels the
natual development of children. This growth is fostered in an
atomosphere that is non-competitive, cooperative, supportive, joyful
- yet challenging.
The overall goal of drama is to
foster a positive self concept in children by encouraging hem to
explore life by assumption of roles and by the acquisition of
dramatic skills.
Drama is an art form that is
concerned with the representation of people in time and space, their
actions and consequences of their actions.
Drama reflects and affects the
social, cultural, and historical contexts in which it
exists.
Dramatic art form is symbolic
representation of experience, a metaphor for life. It seeks to
uncover meaning. It strives to help us make sense of
experience.
Drama education offers students a
powerful mode of expression. It is an interactive, creative process
involving the individual in relationship to others and the
environment.
Drama eduction helps students
develop intellectually by expanding their capacity for creative
thought, expression, and critical thinking. Curiosity and
inventiveness are keystones of critical thinking. It seeks to bridge
the real and the imagined, the concrete and the symbolic, the
practical and the inspired. It thus supports the process of
intellectual growth that all learners engage in as they make sense of
their own world by integrating knowledge and experience.
Drama education also contributes
to students’ human and social development. Drama is a social process,
embodying active learning based on human interaction: it reflects a
part of students’ daily lives as they connect with others, experience
tension, resolve conflict, and create meaning in their
world.
Drama education enhance career
development. It fosters personal growth and self- confidence, which
are important in all careers. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes
acquired through a drama program will be valuable in any
career.
Drama is instrumental in fostering
lifelong learning.
The following elements of theatre
form should be considered in teaching elementary students:
Focus:- knowing what the drama is about and structuring the work
so that the students are able to explore and make new discoveries
about that particular concern.
Tension:- the “pressure for response” which can take the form of
a challenge, a surprise, a time restraint on the suspense of not
knowing; tension is what works in a drama to impel the
students to respond and take action
Contrasts:- dynamic use of movement/stillness, sound/silence,
and light/darkness
It is the “quality of thinking and
feeling” - the internal actions which drama evokes, rather than the
external actions of speaking and doing, (the showing of thinking and
feeling> - that is of primary concern.
Objectives
Grades 1-5
a) accept the dramatic situation
b) assume roles in the drama
c) use their imaginations to respond to the dramatic situation
by making connections with their “real-life” experiences
d) express and initiate ideas appropriate to the drama
e) develop confidence in using a variety of strategies effective in
dramatic situations
f) work co-operatively within the dramatic situation
g) listen, negotiate and reflect during and after the drama
h) reflect upon and evaluate their own work within the drama
i) become aware of the presence of drama in their homes, schools
and communities
j) become familiar with drama and dramatic artists
Grades 6-8
The students will:
a) demonstrate belief in the dramatic situation and in the roles
assumed within it
b) work co-operatively within the dramatic situation and when
shaping ideas toward collective creation
c) develop an understanding of the processes and elements
involved in creating works of dramatic art
d) demonstrate the ability to reflect on the work of the groups
and on their individual contributions to it
e) examine ways in which drama mirrors and influences
individu&s, societies and cultures - past and present
f) develop critical thought and learn to support interpretation
and opinions when responding to drama experiences as
an audience
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