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Drama is a fun and a welcome break for children who spend the rest of the day in a normal classroom setting. But do drama classes actually provide children with any real benefit, in terms of their overall education? Well, while drama may not seem as important of subjects like English, Science, and Maths, it’s actually great for teaching students a range of soft skills that they can transfer to other lessons and beyond. It’s also an opportunity for them to develop greater self-awareness. I have teamed up with a private school in Hampstead to explore the benefits of drama classes for children in greater detail below.
One of the main advantages of drama being part of the school curriculum is that it helps students develop confidence. Children are encouraged to perform coherently in front of their peers and potentially even a bigger audience, instantly encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone and take a risk. When that risk pays off and they receive praise for their performance, they will receive a well-deserved self-esteem boost. Even constructive criticism can help with their confidence because it allows them to understand that they are forever growing and improving.
When a child feels confident in their abilities, they may feel more comfortable raising their hand in other lessons and contributing to class discussions. This is great for their overall academic performance because it will help them to feel more engaged.
As mentioned above, drama lessons can help a child learn about themselves. When embodying a character, they may find that they can relate to certain feelings and experiences. Alternatively, they might not be able to relate to the character at all, which might help them feel grateful or inspire them to make certain changes.
In addition, drama is a great for a child’s communication and social skills. When reading scripts, they may develop a more advanced vocabulary. They will also learn about how body language and facial expressions can portray a certain emotion, helping them understand how to express themselves. In drama classes, students are also encouraged to work as a team and support one another so that the performance can run smoothly. They must take turns and value one another’s thoughts and opinions. These are all vital social skills that can help students in all other areas of their lives.