Reflection #5 Sarah Sumsion

Today we learned some theater games and listened to group presentations of process dramas as they correlated to children's books.

All students and grades could benefit from these types of activities because it makes topics and ideas and concepts more personal and applicable. I love the idea that process drama can help people develop perspective taking and empathy. I seem to be really hung up on the idea of helping children develop emotional intelligence. If this is one method that proves successful, I would encourage any teacher to utilize it.

These activities really mean a lot to me as I have always loved games and theater. I have actually done a lot of these types of things without knowing they were part of a bigger picture and bigger meaning. I was a substitute teacher all last year and subbed over 80 days of the school year. These activities were things I did either of my own accord or because a teacher had it in her sub plans. Nearly always the activities brought greater meaning and understanding to the students. I'm hoping I can have the courage to do some of these with the 6th graders I'll be working with in November. I know I'm the adult, but I hope I don't feel self-conscious and get stage-fright.  Last night with my children I told them a story and used 3 of the ideas from today's group presentations. My 4 children (ages 14-5) fully participated and seemed to really enjoy the activities.  A teenage boy can sometimes think things like this are childish - but he totally got into it! Love this unit!