Drama lessons offer such a wide range of benefits to children. They help to build a child’s confidence, they develop communication skills and they inspire creativity.
Because drama offers so many advantages to students, it has become a statutory part of English in the National Curriculum for England. Schools recognise that drama supports a number of academic skills and personal skills, which will support children through to adulthood.
I have teamed up with an Independent School in Oxfordshire to explore more of the benefits associated with drama lessons…
Confidence
Drama lessons are an excellent way to grow a child’s confidence. Speaking clearly and confidently doesn’t come naturally to all children. However, this can be taught and practiced through drama.
Drama lessons also require students to perform in front of each other; this can also help to boost your child’s confidence. It gives students an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone in a safe and structured environment.
Teamwork
Drama lessons help to encourage teamwork within a school. Working as part of a team is a crucial life skill for youngsters, because it helps them to form friendships and put differences aside in order to reach a shared goal. Furthermore, in drama students will experience different opinions and perspectives, as well as receive feedback and advice.
Empathy
Drama lessons help children to be understanding and empathetic. By exploring different cultures and lifestyles, children tend to become more inquisitive. Furthermore, by acting out a variety of different emotions and experiences, children are able to become more appreciative of how others think and feel.
Production
For more reserved children who prefer to work off stage, there are lots of other important tasks they can learn through drama. For example, they can help to make costumes or get involved in set design. School shows provide lots of opportunities for students to help with back stage production. Furthermore, during drama lessons, children learn about famous plays and movies which could inspire them to write a script of their own!
Fitness
Drama encourages student s to keep fit and healthy so that they can perform at their best. Performing arts help children to improve flexibility, coordination, balance, and control. Students need to be able to move quickly, stand for long periods of time and maintain energy levels during a show. Drama students will also learn things like breathing control when singing and dancing.
Laura x