How To Teach Art And Drama In Schools

Let?s face it, arts and drama are consideredin almost every aspect of their lives.
extra-curricular activities when we think of what weIn addition, students who are taught arts and drama
expect to learn in school. In fact, arts and dramatend to cultivate a deeper sense of respect, not only
usually fall in line with extra-curricular activities, whichfor arts and drama but also for their fellow
are deemed by most as not as important as learningclassmates.
science, English or math. The indifference to arts andBut how to teach arts and drama at school?
drama may have been brought about by the superArts and drama are easily appreciated by students
high technology lifestyles that we lead. Today, manyand therefore would not pose any problem when it
people are exposed to a culture that is so tarnishedcomes to teaching its principles to students. However,
with modernity that they have forgotten just what realnot every student is inclined to arts and drama. There
art and culture is like.are some students who like arts only and who shun
This is why it is important to teach arts and drama ataway from drama. Likewise, there are those who
school, to save future generations from being illiterateprefer drama over arts. And so the problem now is
of what truly comprises culture. Drama often ishow to teach both arts and drama and still be able to
associated with English, however it is not given anyget students to appreciate both.
real focus.Live discussions often help, especially in conducting
How about dance? Dance is a part of physicaldrama class. Encouraging students to participate is a
education and is taught (sad to say) by teachersgreat way to slowly introduce them to the wonderful
whose sole training was a short course that reallyworld of drama. If possible try to search for materials
interferes with their true inclination which is playingthat match the interests of the students. Remember to
hockey, netball, football, or rugby. Music is also taughtshow your appreciation for whatever effort is exerted
but only up to age 14. Let us not forget that art is aby your students. Appreciating achievements of
vital part of technology and should never be construedstudents, no matter how miniscule, is important in
as a thing of the past.developing their self-confidence. Who knows, the next
The non-inclusion of arts and drama in the educationtime you ask for auditions you may be surprised to
curriculum is a clear indication that arts are no longerfind that everyone in the class would like to join in.
treated as important. But contrary to this belief, thereTeaching art is probably easier since it?s more of a
have been various studies conducted on the effectshands-on activity. As a teacher, never expect your
of arts in students. The result shows significantstudents to be all artistically inclined. There will always
achievement especially in terms of the behaviorbe those who find art-class a waste of their time. But
displayed by students that are exposed to arts.with a large amount of patience you can help these
Most students that are constantly exposed to variousstudents to fully express their creative sides in their
types of arts have exhibited above averageartwork. Sometimes all a student needs is a little
intelligence, especially in the areas of mathematics,encouragement to perk up her creative side, and as a
English and science. Likewise, there have beenteacher it is your responsibility to help these budding
noteworthy improvements in the overall personality ofartists develop their full potential.
students, such as a more matured perception of things