Act It Out
This theater activity gives young children an opportunity to participate in drama in a structured manner.
By: Trish Kuffner, author of The Children's Busy Book
Act It Out
For most children, drama begins informally at a very young age. Playing with dolls is drama; playing store or hospital is drama; and playing cops and robbers is drama. Children also observe drama on TV, in movies, and onstage. This activity gives children an opportunity to participate in drama in a more structured and intentional way.
Directions
- Choose a story your child is familiar with, such as The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, or a favorite picture book. The Bible is also a great source of stories; try the story of Moses parting the Red Sea or the story of the birth of Jesus.
- To dramatize a story, your child can say the dialogue while performing the actions or simply perform the actions as you narrate the story.
- Costumes and props can be elaborate, simple, or nonexistent.
- Productions can be either impromptu or rehearsed and presented to friends and family members.