There's something truly magical about seeing a shy, quiet, and not particularly outgoing student blossom when given the opportunity to explore a hidden talent. It’s one of those joyful moments in teaching to witness the excitement on a student’s face as they get positive attention, recognition, and admiration for performing a song or saying their lines in a play; when after all their hard work of rehearsing, the satisfaction of seeing the pieces of a play fall into place.
The Benefits of Performing Arts in Elementary School
According to the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, theater involvement enhances students' academic performance and personal development. Studies indicate that students participating in drama score higher on standardized tests like the SAT. Verbal scores improve along with reading comprehension, and communication skills. Kids participating in the arts demonstrate better school attendance and reduced dropout rates. Furthermore, drama activities benefit children with learning disabilities by improving their skills and academic outcomes (American Alliance for Theatre and Education, n.d.). Let’s break it down:
Enhancing Creativity and Imagination
Kids today spend so much time on screens that providing opportunities to foster their creativity in real-time is critically important. Putting on plays and engaging in the performing arts offer a dynamic platform for kids to explore their imagination,\ and express themselves in new ways.
Improved Communication Skills
Children who participate in plays in elementary school learn to articulate their thoughts and emotions more clearly. Memorizing lines and delivering them with the right emotion enhances their verbal and non-verbal communication and reading skills.
Boosting Self-Confidence
Performing before an audience can be daunting. But it boosts confidence and gives children a sense of accomplishment. This newfound self-assurance often spills over into other areas of their lives.
Developing Teamwork and Collaboration
Plays and performing arts activities require SO MUCH teamwork. Students must work together, support each other, and understand that every role is crucial to the success of the performance. It's a hands-on lesson in collaboration and respect.
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence
By portraying different characters, children learn empathy and understanding. They step into someone else's shoes, which helps them navigate their own emotions and relationships better. Performing arts, theater, and putting on plays is a creative way of teaching social-emotional skills and teamwork.
Simple Ways of Introducing Theater into Your In-School or After-School Classroom
- Introduce drama exercises and role-play into your lesson plans.
- Turn a math, science, or history lesson plan into an improv or scene-writing exercise.
- Examine the characters and story of a picture book and turn the book into a set of improv and drama activities.
- Use a turn-key theater arts play kit like Booksicals.
Steps for Implementing A Successful School Theater Program for K-5
- Get a Musical Play Kit: Purchase a ready-to-go school play with everything you need to put on a school show.
- Finale Performance or Arts Showcase: Set a date and time for your finale performance or showcase.
- Promote Your Performance: Get students excited by making announcements and flyers.
- Send Invitations Using Multiple Platforms: Utilize school newsletters, your school’s communications platforms, district-wide emails, and backpack flyers to invite an audience of student peers, other teachers, and parents to attend the final performance.
- Enjoy the Process: Remember, it's about learning and having fun!
Engaging Parents and the Community
Building Support for Theater Arts Activities and School Plays
- Parent Involvement: Invite parents to assist with costumes, sets, rehearsals, or backstage.
- Community Outreach: Host performances open to the community to build support.
- Showcase Student Talent: Use plays, dance performances, singing, and artwork for the show as a platform to highlight the diverse talents of your students.
Want a turn-key exciting and easy-to-use Theater Curriculum to enrich your K-5 classroom experience? Let me introduce you to Booksicals!
The Musical Play Kit by Booksicals
Fusion of Musical Theater and Picture Books
Founded in 2007 by Susan Chodakiewitz, Booksicals blends the enchantment of musical theater with the imaginative world of picture books. It's a recipe for interactive arts-based learning where a book leaps off the page and onto the stage.
Booksicals' Mission
Inspiring a Love of Reading and Learning
Booksicals aims to inspire children to love books, improve reading skills, and learn to engage in self-expression and creativity. By engaging kids in the arts we are also nurturing a lifelong passion for the arts and literature.
Everything You Need for a Theater Arts Program
Imagine having a comprehensive, digitally downloadable kit that includes everything you need to stage a musical. Engage kids with drama, singing, dance, creative writing, and visual arts activities that culminate in a performance of a picture book musical. Sounds amazing, right?
Tailored for All Educators
Whether you're a seasoned performing artist or new to theater arts, this kit is tailored just for you. No prior theater teaching experience is necessary!
What's Included in the Kit
Your kit includes:
- Play Script
- Musical Sing-along tracks
- Lyric Sheets
- Artwork from the picture book
- License for one school for unlimited performances
It's a one-stop solution that removes the guesswork and makes the process seamless.
No Prior Theater Experience Needed
You might be thinking, "I love the idea, but I've never directed a play before." Don't worry! Booksicals' Musical Play Kit is designed to empower educators like you to take the plunge without fear with step-by-step lesson plans.
Empowering Teachers and Students Alike
The kit provides all the tools and guidance you need, allowing you and your students to embark on this exciting journey together.
The Literacy Companion: Picture Books
Integrating Reading with Performing Arts
To enrich the experience further, the program is designed for each student to receive their own picture book as a literacy companion. These books are ordered and shipped separately, providing a tangible connection between reading and performing.
Aligning with Curriculum Standards
Supporting SEL and STEAM Education
Booksicals align with California Arts Requirements and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and STEAM curriculum standards. They provide a holistic educational experience integrating arts with learning and social-emotional exploration.
Why Choose Booksicals for Your Arts Enrichment Curriculum?
Unique Advantages and Offerings
- Comprehensive Kits: All-in-one solution
- Educational Alignment: Supports curriculum standards
- Accessible to All: No prior experience needed
- Enhances Literacy: Combines reading with performing arts
- Provides a unique approach to SEL
- Unlimited One-Year Performances: License allows for multiple shows
Conclusion
Bringing picture books to life through dance, singing, art, drama, and musical theater activities is an enriching experience that benefits students in countless ways. With Booksicals, you have a trusted partner to make this journey enjoyable and fulfilling. So why wait? Let's ignite the creative spark in your students and watch them shine!
FAQs
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Do I need theater experience to use the Musical Play Kit or Literacy Through The Arts Kit? No prior theater teaching experience is necessary. The kit is designed to guide you every step of the way.
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Can we perform the musical play multiple times?
Yes! The included license allows your school unlimited performances. -
How do we get the picture books for students?
The picture books are ordered and shipped separately, ensuring each student has their own literacy companion. -
Is the Musical Play Kit and Literacy Through The Arts Kit suitable for all grade levels?
The kit is tailored for elementary school students K- 5th grade but can be adapted for older kids. -
How do Booksicals support SEL and STEAM education?
Booksicals' programs integrate social-emotional learning and STEAM principles by combining arts with key educational concepts.
Reference: American Alliance for Theatre and Education. (n.d.). The Effects of Theatre Education. Retrieved from https://www.aate.com/benefits-of-theatre-ed