and explaining the resolution of the story are skills that
ensure a good understanding of the story content. Oral
tradition stories make good retells. for children. They’re well worth the cost of enrollment.
Make drama and dramatic responses part of your family
fun.
Retells can be done with a bit of flair and become a
form of theater. Have your children take turns telling
the same story. See who remembers a new bit of
information or who can embellish the character. Change
the ending of the story. How would that affect the
entire story line? Resources:
Reader’s Theater
Reader’s Theater, or oral interpretation, is a kind of
drama that is low-risk for beginning actors. Children
sit on chairs or stools and read a script or story, making
their part come to life via great reading and intonation.
Reader’s theater requires no props or costuming. It’s
easy and fun and, when done over time, will encourage
strong oral reading skills.
Drama in Your Community
Drama is an art form that enriches those involved with
it. Be sure to take advantage of local children’s theater
offerings via schools and theater companies. These
theater companies often offer beginning theater classes
Websites with creative drama games and activities
www.childdrama.com
www.kidactivities.net
www.bbbpress.com/dramagames
www.faceuptheatre.com
www.theaterfunscripts.com/simpleskits.html
www.creativityinstitute.com/puppettheaterscriptideas.
aspx
Books on Creative Drama
The Creative Dramatics Cookbook by Kelley O’Rourke
Learning Through Drama by McGregor, Tate and
Robinson
Creative Dramatics in the Classroom and Beyond by
Nellie McCaslin
Readers Theatre for Children by Laughlin and Latrobe
Show Time: Music, Dance and Drama Activities for Kids
by Lisa Bany-Winters
Seven Steps to Creative Children’s Dramatics by Pamela
Prince Walker
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