26 Feb Drama and Literacy Skills
The benefits of drama and theater for kids
Have you ever heard the expression “all the world’s a stage”? According to researchers, drama and theater can actually help children with literacy. For instance, participating in theater helps children practice expression and build fluency. Theater also gives kids structure, which allows them to embody individual characters and helps build comprehension skills. When kids read a script and perform, they experience multisensory learning that is often not used in more traditional forms of reading. This makes this type of learning especially valuable for students with learning disabilities.
Sources:
- Alexandra Harrington, Using Theater to Promote the Development of Literacy and Reading Comprehension
- Janee Udalla, The Effect of Drama Based Instruction on Reading Comprehension
Intro to Theater programs
You might ask, how can you get your child involved in theater while developing or reinforcing their literacy skills? We have an upcoming children’s series for theater and drama right here at the library! This series is a perfect way to learn acting skills and develop literacy in a low-pressure, supportive environment. Join us for games that will test your wits, make you laugh, and introduce you to the theater!
Participants can attend all four sessions or any that interest them. No registration required. All sessions are from 4:30-5p in the Children’s Room.
Theater Games | Wednesday, March 6
DIY Puppet Theater | Wednesday, March 13
Puppet Show | Wednesday, March 20
Comic Strip Plays | Wednesday, March 27
Written by Beth G., Youth Services Library Assistant
