Dramatizing Literature in Whole Language Classrooms

9780807733073

0807733075

In this book, a revised and expanded edition of Informal Drama in the Elementary Language Arts Program, the authors demonstrate how improvised drama helps children attain important social, intellectual, and emotional goals. In the first chapter, the authors introduce basic concepts, define the necessary terminology, and explain differences between improvised drama and theater. Chapters 2 and 3 describe setting up and organizing the components of a drama program. Chapter 4 describes the relationship between drama and an entire range of communication skills. A creative drama sequence for kindergarten and primary grades is outlined in chapter 5, including concrete, practical ideas, with many suggestions of poems, stories, and non-story motivations to use. The final chapter provides similar ideas for intermediate and middle school grades, with possibilities described across a variety of curriculum subjects.