I encourage teachers in our programs to share their experiences from around the world. Here is one from Lianna in Chaoyang, China. The name of the student has been modified.
In the past one year, we conducted four terms of after-school classes as well as a summer camp. The children who turn up for our different classes range from 4 to 11 years. There will always be challenges that make us occasionally drag our feet but there is also a great sense of personal satisfaction that comes with the job.
Sherry was barely 5 years old when she first joined us. Being the youngest in the cl ass (coupled with the fact that she comes from a bilingual family, as opposed to other children here who speak only English at home), she was naturally slower in her speech. Most of the time, Sherry would give a blank look and the more expressive kids would overshadow her. It was a real challenge to integrate her and focus on the needs of the other students at the same time.
It was therefore a surprise when Sherry’s mum approached me. She said Sherry really liked the drama class and that she would be reciting the lines all the time at home. She even got her little brother involved with her reenactment of class. Mum noticed that Sherry is beginning to speak with tone, pause, pitch etc and she thought Sherry had picked it up from school. She found out later that it was the influence of her time with the Helen O'Grady drama classes. She was so pleased that she even wanted to enroll her 3 ½ year old son! Never underestimate
what kids can pick up from the lessons!
This reveals what "Development through drama" can do for you and your child.
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