Personal reflection

Coming to the end of drama class, I thought it would be a good time to reflect upon the course and wrap up any final thoughts or ideas about the course.

Overall, I was excited to come into drama. In high school, I had chosen drama as my grade 9 elective and truly enjoyed it. This was obviously a different type of drama class, where we are not only participating and presenting dramatic strategies, but we are learning how to incorporate them into our own classrooms and how to teach them to students. This was extremely valuable as I would not have known too much about teaching drama to younger kids other than the concept of tableaux and doing little plays! I can now say I feel much more comfortable, not only teaching drama, but integrating drama into other subject matters to ensure it is being taught and incorporated into the classroom on a weekly basis.

My favorite class was where we integrated 'Where the Wild Things Are' with drama. First of all, I absolutely love the book and movie; I think they send such a great message and kids can enjoy this movie at a young age and watch it again when they're older and see a whole new movie, brilliant. This was an integration of Language Arts and Drama, where students had to listen to what was happening in the story, and act the story as it was being read. The students had to know when to act (when their character came up) and had to listen in order to know how to act. Not only does this incorporate acting and drama, but it allows the students to think deeper about the meaning of the story and enhance their listening skills while trying to modify their movements or actions to be as though they are that specific character.

I have to admit, at times throughout the course I did feel silly, but sometimes that is what drama is all about! Drama is fun, especially with kids, and it can really bring out the fun and enthusiastic side of any teacher if they see drama in a different perspective. Drama is not something to be taught simply because a student may want to go into the drama stream, be an actress or get into performing arts and theater. Teaching drama allows for students to carry social skills through their life and can provide strength and confidence if provided in the correct context. If teachers can integrate drama and encourage (not force) students to participate, drama can be a fun and safe activity for everyone.

Not only can it be fun, but it can encourage students to participate who may not usually want to. More often than not, when students see that all of their classmates are having fun or a good time, they usually want to join in and see what all the fun is about. If a teacher can allow a student to make that type of connection with drama and see how school can be integrative and fun, then a job well done. And I believe that is one of the most important aspects of drama, if only teachers begin to see it as the fun and integrative subject that it can!

This course has taught me that drama is not something to solely be taught to those who want to potentially pursue careers in this field. Drama can provide significant life skills in social, cognitive and even physical aspects. It allows students to explore concepts they may have never thought of before, and encourages confidence and a level of fun in students. When drama is provided in a safe, respectful context, students may be able to find a part of them that they did not know was there before. After this course, I truly hope to integrate drama into many aspects of my own classroom one day. I want to make drama a fun, inclusive, safe activity where students feel they can let go, have some fun, be confident and learn about the subject and themselves.

Reflection is just as important for students as it is for teachers. Ensure that when you are incorporating dramatic play in your own classroom, you are asking students to reflect (as per expectation B2.3 identify and give examples of their strengths, interests, and areas for improvement as drama participants and audience members). Students must understand and know themselves and their strengths and weaknesses in order to improve as students, not only in drama but other subject matters as well. Don't forget to allow your students some time to reflect on their own performance and skills.