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In her article, "Drama: A rehearsal for life," in the Beginnings Workshop Book, Curriculum: Art, Music, Movement and Drama, Julia Gabriel observes that "by playing a role in the security of a drama class, we rehearse for life." In providing ideas for effectively using drama in early childhood programs, she suggests that an easy way to unlock children's imaginations and to get them into dramatic play is through stories.

• We can maximize the drama when we read a book, bringing it alive through imagination and voice. Take time to let the voice respond to each new character's thoughts, feelings, and movement so the vocal tone, color, and expression changes for each.
• Extend stories by acting out the plot with the teacher as narrator and the children playing the characters, using their own words. There's no reason why the whole class can't be the billy goats (The Twelve Billy-Goats Gruff!) to the teacher's troll.
• What happens first, or next? How do the three bears make the porridge? Where do they go on their walk? What do they do? Accept contributions that are completely original, even whacky, because a child's imagination is far greater than our own.
• Use props, masks, and suggestions of costume to aid entry into roles, but don't feel they're necessary. Costumes, too, can be imaginary. Take time to put on an imaginary hat, pick up a pair of binoculars, step into a pair of boots.

This entire article can be read in the "Exchange Ideas for You -- Free" section of our web site, www.childcareexchange.com.

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