Incorporating drama in a preschool classrom

I haven't been on here in awhile and there has been so much in the classroom that I have been not documenting. Now I have to play catch up... I have experience with elementary children however this year I have the privilege and honor to be teaching twos and threes (now you know why I haven't
been writing).
I have a degree in theater and writing and a masters in education. I try everyday to include drama into the classroom. that keeps the children entertained and me as well.
Here goes...
Top Five List for How to include drama/theater arts into the classroom:

1. Circle Time

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Circle time is the place for storytelling with picture books, oral storytelling and sing a longs. Using facial and body expressions are key for cognitive learning and language development.

 2. Dance/Movement
Toddlers/Preschools are active creatures by nature. They must run jump and play. What better way to incorporate drama; acting out animal sounds/behavior/climate and gross motor skills? Children this age learn by moving.



3. Dramatic Play





Reenactment is a skill. Toddlers express this skill daily. Give them a story or activity and you have started a peewee "Whose Line is it Anyway?"



4. Artistic Creativity






Let them write a script on the walls (using butcher paper people)! Children have to know that they feelings and ideas are safe and accepted. This encouragement creates confidence, self awareness and self identify.
5. Let the Children have Time to Reflect



You may say reflection isn't that a little mature? Little children need that; as all actors do. They need time for discovery and practice. What better way to do this than:
1- Giving them a mirror to glaze in
2. Creating masks/self portraits
3.Discussing and collecting family photos
4. Taking trips to see plays/performances
5. Putting on puppet shows
6. One on one time with their director err.. I mean teacher.

This whole actor thing has carried me away...Time to warm up.

Camille is an actor/fiction writer and teacher in her daytime hours. She plans on becoming a global bestseller. Look for her book on theparablegirl@blogspot.com