Teaching Drama to Young Children

Children learn to read by reading and learn to write by writing. They learn to talk by talking. Most teachers are well aware that they ought to incorporate all four elements of language in their curricula: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. But it is reading and writing that they concentrate on. Listening and speaking are more difficult to structure. Drama can provide the perfect opportunity for students to practice listening and speaking in a context that is real for them.

Teaching Drama to Young Children has been written for teachers of children aged five to eight who would like to teach drama, but are not sure how to begin. The author gives specific instruction on setting up activities to develop children's imaginations, organizing abilities, confidence, and language. Teachers will quickly understand the content, form, and progression of a drama class so that they can develop their own ideas in response to the needs and interests of their own classes.

Mem Fox is a well-known Australian lecturer, writer, and storyteller. Her involvement in teaching drama began as a student at the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in London, where she took classes in both stagecraft and teaching drama. At present, she teaches at the South Australian College of Advanced Education in Drama and Language Arts. In addition, Ms. Fox is the author of several popular children's books, including Hattie and the Fox (New York: Bradbury Press, 1986), Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge (New York: Kane/Miller, 1985), and Possum Magic (published in Australia by Omnibus Books).