Introducing Dance and Dramatic Arts in the Classroom

"The arts can help students become tenacious, team oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively." The development and implementation of the arts within the contemporary classroom is fundamental to gaging student knowledge and ability to become critical, self-guided thinkers. The arts go beyond demonstrating why we learn but instead teach students how to learn to become better beings. Without the arts in our classrooms we do not allow students the opportunity to explore self and society neglecting them the opportunity to become independent thinkers and doers.

Throughout my academic journey the dramatic arts and dance were subjects which I enjoyed pursuing as  they provide the opportunity to escape reality, to forget all troubles and tribulations and express themselves through voice and movement.  Learning and teaching through the arts is a skill which educators should continue to develop as it provides students with the ability to learn through physical and emotional interactions with others around them.

The article Integrating Music, Drama and Dance Helps Children Explore and Learn discusses the academic, psychological and emotional benefits which student experience when provide with the opportunity to engage in the arts during study. Jennifer Coopers writes: " Through decades of practice and research at the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, we’ve seen that integrating the performance arts—music, drama, and dance—into core subjects helps young children learn better across the curriculum. Arts-integrated teaching taps into children’s natural desire for active learning through the senses. By singing, dancing, imagining, and connecting their bodies and minds, children learn more deeply and meaningfully, especially in subjects like reading, math, and science." As contemporary educators we must focus on including the arts within all realms of study for it will provide students with a greater opportunity to learn and understand the world around them.

The provided TedTalk link explores the concept of the inclusion of the arts within the classroom. The speaker Mohammed has a multitude of theatrical experiences which has ignited his passion to raise awareness of the benefits which comes from including drama and dance within classroom study.

When educators allow their students to learn in a diverse way they heighten their opportunity for academic, physiological and emotional development and success. Drama and dance are critical components within the curriculum as they allow students to explore learning through different interactions and movement.