Drama is an area often underdone in classrooms. It is generally seen to be a subject that must give way to more important requirements, like getting on with language maths science and other key subjects. Drama is seen as a diversion taking attention away from key learning and conceptual areas.

That this happens it’s a pity. Rather than being an isolated standalone subject, drama can be used to correlate and integrate with other subjects. It can be used to reinforce learning by putting students into a context of acting out situations about which they’ve been learning. It offers a first hand experience rather than being second and third hand. it allows students to engage with and immerse themselves in experiencing what it was really like to be a part of the past

Children love to play and to pretend. To reinforce literature, stories been told, history, even mathematical and scientific concepts through acting them out and in gauging through play can be reinforcing.

Sometimes teachers feel drama is a subject that is below them. They feel embarrassed about the idea of getting involved with students in dramatic play situations. Drama can be a very vibrant and engaging area and for teachers to involve convinces students of the authenticity of Drama as a subject reinforcer. And what’s wrong with teachers having fun in classrooms with students. If they can assume roles outside their skins, this will encourage children to do likewise.

I encourage teachers to integrate Drama into student learning and developmental opportunities. ‘Learning by doing’ (and drama IS doing) is one of the very best methodologies available to educators.