How does using creativity in the classroom help all children?
Q: We have just had a very successful creative week, based on 'Treasure Island'. Behaviour has been noticeable by its lack of many conflicts, unlike the previous SATs week. As a staff we have decided that those children who do have problems with behaviour had been so enthralled and on task in the classroom, that they were quite happy to play rather than seek aggression. Another reason for broad and balanced curricula away from the straight-jackets of the strategies?
Jenny: I could not agree more that drama and the arts are one of the most exciting ways for helping children to become incredibly motivated and engaged. In the early days when I was teaching in an inner city school, I noticed that my most difficult kids became far less aggressive when they were involved in the arts in whatever form. I was so fascinated that I went off in the evenings and the week-ends to train as a drama therapist. Later, as part of my masters, I wrote a paper on the effects of drama on self-esteem. I ended up teaching drama every week to busloads of angry ROSLA (raising of a school leaving age) pupils in a newly built art complex!!!. They were exciting days observing the changes in young people when they are truly involved. I ma y have gone down the circle time route but my heart always stays with the arts. I believe circle time creates the right school and classroom ethos in which the arts can flourish. We currently have a range of arts consultants in story telling, puppetry, song, movement, art, all of whom work with teachers and children at any level. I believe the time is right in education for a resurgence of interest and commitment to the arts. So I would love to see a Treasure Island in the middle of every class.!!
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