Getting students to work with other students can be a challenge!
They usually have a couple of friends they are comfortable with, but it's awkward when they need to work with someone else.Things become less awkward when they work together for a common goal. How can we get them working together while continuing to teach the curriculum?
Starting the day with Morning Meeting, along with Team Building games is a great way to start! However, one of my favorite ways to get children working together is by putting on plays!
Research shows that including dramatics and theater in the learning environment enhances many important life skills. Here are 20 of them!
Students learn new words in context, improving their vocabulary.
Performing in front of their peers helps students gain confidence and reduce stage fright.
Working together in a play fosters teamwork and collaboration skills.
Students explore their imagination through character development and storytelling.
Students must listen to cues and instruction, honing their listening abilities.
Script reading allows students to practice reading fluently with expression.
Taking on different roles encourages empathy as students see the world through other perspectives.
Understanding the story and characters reinforces comprehension skills.
Acting and reacting on stage improves social interaction and communication.
Memorizing lines and cues enhance memory and recall abilities.
Plays often require creative solutions and quick thinking.
Staying in character and following the story requires focus.
Movement and gestures during dramatics improve coordination.
Many plays introduce students to different cultures and histories.
Speaking in front of others develops clarity and expressive language.
Acting can help students identify, express, and manage emotions.
Plays allow for various roles so all students can participate.
Drama gives students a constructive way to express themselves.
Regular practice helps students speak confidently in front of others.
What to use for resources? Well, I have several Reader’s Theater resources here: Reader's Theater Resources
And I’m working on more! And I’ll be glad to honor your requests! (Just email me at elementarymatters@gmail.com with your ideas!)
Check out these blog posts for more information about dramatics in the classroom and team-building activities:
How do you get your students to work together?
