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Oh the Drama!
Encourage Your Preteen's Theatrical Side
By Teri Brown
Collins believes that drama is an especially significant means of learning for the middle school child since drama is primarily about exploring different identities, roles and social relationships, all of which are central aspects of adolescent development. While Collins notes that the specific skills gained from exposure to theater and drama depend upon the nature of the dramatic experience in question, he also believes that evidence suggests drama can foster development in the use of oral and written language, reading comprehension, perspective taking, critical thinking and problem solving, hypothetical reasoning, listening skills, self-image and self-confidence, empathy and use of imagination.
How can you cultivate a passion for the dramatic arts in your preteen? Collins says that parents need to encourage involvement in drama without pressuring children to become involved. "The first thing parents need to do is take children to high-quality, live theater on a regular basis, and then engage children in talking and thinking about those experiences," he says. "Secondly, parents need to encourage children to become involved in high-quality youth theater or drama programs in whatever way the child feels comfortable participating. I have had many children who initially don't want to be onstage, but who want to work backstage. After a year or two, these children often end up performing on stage as well. Even if they don't, they develop a good understanding of theater and drama working behind the scenes."