Learning from home – Drama!

Does your child have a theatrical flair?

Drama is a fantastic way for children to release pent-up energy and emotion, and it’s also incredibly fun! There are a huge number of transferable skills that can be gained from drama, such as public speaking, improved personal confidence, and greater ease expressing yourself.

Being involved in drama extends way beyond just being on stage. After all, productions can’t happen without sound and light engineers, directors, and more behind the scenes helping hands!

Here are some drama and public speaking activities you can try at home…

JUST A MINUTE

This game involves speaking for a full minute on any given subject. If you hesitate, repeat yourself, or deviate from the topic, an opponent can interrupt you and take the subject. You can win points for speaking beyond the minute, correctly interrupting, or being interrupted wrongly – this can be a great, high-energy family game!

DRAMATISE A SHORT STORY!

Choose a favourite short story, and have your children recreate it as a play. They can either make up lines, or you can read it aloud as they act it out. Provide time for them to read it, choose parts, and rehearse – then have them perform. Perhaps to an online audience, like family friends or grandparents!

HOST A FASHION SHOW!

A really fun and creative family activity could be holding a fashion show. Plan a show with a specific theme, find or create costumes, and then put on a great performance! This is a great confidence-boosting activity to help children express themselves.

START LAMDA LESSONS WITH A TUTOR!

LAMDA is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected drama awarding organisations. They have been offering practical examinations in communication and performance subjects for over 130 years. LAMDA exams are about achievement – recognising and rewarding the endeavours of each individual – but they are also about empowerment. If you would like to explore this further with one of our expert LAMDA teachers, please do get in touch!

LINK TO LIFE: Here are some tips and ideas to integrate drama into everyday activities!

Drama doesn’t have to be an activity that has set timings throughout the day. Why not have a running game throughout the day, to inject surprise fun and energy in little bursts, at any point! The premise is simple…

1. Shout ‘Ants!’ – children must get lie with their hands and feet in the air, and pretend to be a wriggling ant.

2. Shout ‘Mirror!’ – children must mirror whatever position you are in – get creative!

3. Shout ‘Freeze!’ – children must freeze in the position they’re in when they hear it.