At BMH Pre School, we offer an exceptional course called "Drama in education" which has a magical and unique quality. Although it falls under the category of drama education, it differs significantly from traditional drama lessons that typically centre around scripted shows or performances. Instead, our approach allows children to immerse themselves in the story while also giving them the freedom to create their own plot. Through this method, we aim to enhance their ability to express emotions, but without enforcing constraints or rules.
Does it feel abstract? Fear not, today we'll delve into how BMH Pre school's ‘Drama in education’course is thriving, adored by many children and providing endless fun in each lesson.
What is
Drama in education？
Drama in education (D.I.E) is a pedagogical technique and creative pursuit which varies from drama lessson. Although traditional drama is typically showcased or acted out, the emphasis of D.I.E is on children's personal involvement and learning through participation.
Whether it's a brief video, the news, a picture book, or an animated film, we can always sense the "purpose". However accepting we are of modern-day parenting, we cannot avoid the inclination to impart to our children the firsthand wisdom of adults and certain principles.
In the field of D.I.E, the approach differs significantly. Rather than providing a fixed solution, it aims to identify subjects that resonate with children's developmental stage, encompassing a central aspect tailored to their age and characteristics. By creating scenarios and supporting the theatre, we cultivate creativity, liberate the mind and entice the participants to join the narrative, encourage empathy and freely articulate their perspectives.
Children can express their thoughts and opinions openly and without restraint. We value and actively listen to every child's ideas, allowing them to embrace their individuality and become the protagonist of their own story.
D.I.E is currently being used in our unique Chinese curriculum at BMH Pre school. Teachers and pupils utilize classic Chinese picture books as inspiration to collaboratively design a range of thrilling plays during lessons, scene by scene. These imaginative productions include The Little Lion Who Couldn't Roar, The Squirrel and the Bird's Eggs, The Tiger of the Square Plate, The Land of the Beasts, and The Candy House.
D.I.E is not a stage show, but a platform for teachers and children to co-create. Together, we build unique scenarios and narratives that incite children's intellectual curiosity, allow them to comprehend the world by utilising methods like acting, questioning, theatre activities, games and objects. In this context, the children play roles in the plot while being themselves. They are provided with a secure environment to comfortably communicate their emotions and recover with the aid of a character.
The kindergarten teachers received training from renowned domestic experts in D.I.E. Ahead of each lessons, they devotedly engaged in collaborative teaching and research, fastidiously planned every theatrical activity, employed a range of instructive strategies during the lesson, and ended each class with a thorough review and summarization of the session.
How can D.I.E
support children's development??
Having worked with children on several stories, it is evident that the program has undergone several positive changes that have significantly impacted their personality development——
-Presentation and communication skills
-Empathy
-Imagination & Creativity
-Co-operation and teamwork
-Critical thinking
Away from the classroom, in daily life, parents can apply the principles and techniques of D.I.E to foster their children's critical thinking, imagination, and teamwork. For instance:
Avoid basic queries of correctness and instead prompt questions that necessitate introspection and elaboration. For example, what is the significance of being courteous? Assuming you possessed a superpower, how would you employ it?
Read a book or watch a film with your child and invite them to share their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Prepare some role-playing props or costumes for your child to play different roles and participate in story situations.
Arrange some family discussion time where children can express their views on a topic and provide their reasons. For example, discuss whether children can use mobile phones? Should animals be kept in captivity in zoos?
D.I.E is more than a mere teaching technique - it is the gateway to unlocking children's imagination and creativity. Our classroom has been filled with peals of laughter, and we hope that BMH's D.I.E can help students develop a stronger appreciation for life. We encourage children to be brave and bold, willing to experiment, to expand their horizons, to practice empathy towards others, and ultimately, to become the best themselves.
