I work with an ethnically diverse student population, including those with limited English proficiency. Many of them are new comers. The parents I have encountered hold education and educators in high esteem and convey this to their children. My students' primarily need language and reading interventions which I supply in as many ways as I can to engage them. I have a few books that at the end turn the story into a play. My students try harder to read when they stand and pick a character. They feel a sense of pride when they take their bow even though we usually do not have an audience. With these new materials I hope to expand the project to share with their fellow students.
My Project
I will use Drama activities to encourage the affective aspects of reading and emergent literacy. Drama begins with the concept of meaningful communication and provides multiple opportunities for social interaction and feedback. The repetition of the script cultivates language.
Numerous studies indicate that using drama in the classroom as a means of teaching helps students learn academically, socially, and developmentally.
Drama is an invaluable tool for educators, since it supports every aspect of literacy development. Drama has been also recognized as a powerful learning medium because it creates a context for children to relate to their lived experience.
Theatre naturally creates a rapport with my students while allowing them to connect with each other creating a cohesive community, ripe for learning. This is especially crucial in the success of my current educational role working with ethnically diverse students, including those with limited English proficiency. Students feel comfortable taking academic risks in a learning environment they trust thus reducing equity gaps. Through drama I will be able to better support my student population through a solid program offering diversity, equity and inclusion. I create buy-in which leads to participation from my students supporting their educational goals.
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