Teaching Science and the Arts Together! Creativity Without Limits!

Hello Readers,
Lets talk about a debate that has been around in academics and society for a long time.  Is science considered creative.  Now, I believe that science is creative and I'm sure most of you would agree with me.  You need to have a creative and open mind to be able to cure diseases and invent new technologies, it is not purely based on facts.

That is why teaching the sciences and the arts is important.  We have to change our mindset.  Students need to know it is okay to be interested in science and literature as well as other forms of art.  They need to know that both help give us an idea of our culture and are worth learning.  You can be good at both!  They are not opposing forces.
 

Theater as Catharsis for the Youth!

Hello readers,
Guerilla theater, that is, theater used for activism is powerful and it advocates positive change in the world.  As the youth are forming their own opinions and developing their critical thinking skills, they should be exposed to more theater which is used for activism.

Why It Is Important For Teens to Have Plays About Social Issues:

They should be aware about the impact of social issues on their lives.  For instance, if teens are suffering with self-esteem issues, have eating disorders, are being bullied, are addicted to drugs, have been rapped, or any of this sort it would be emotionally comforting for them to be able to relate to these issues by watching a play.  Perhaps they are afraid to discuss their hardships, but they still need help and to be able to have a catharsis, an emotional release of what they are going through.

 Video:

This TEDx talk discusses how theater can be used to promote a positive social change.  You probably recognize it from an earlier post of mine.  I like it so much, I'm giving to you again! http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxDirigo-Cathy-Plourde-Adding;search%3Atheatre%20and%20education

Theater For Catharsis: How Does It Work?

Theater can give them an outlet for their emotions.  As teachers, it is important that we connect with our students on a personal level.  Our job is not just to educate the youth, but to mentor them.  To relate to them, help guide them through the messy world of adolescence, and to prepare them for life.  How can we possibly do this, if we refuse to get to know them.  As Vygotsky, the famous Russian educational theorist says, in the online teaching program "The Learning Classroom" states "Social knowledge becomes individual knowledge" and therefore much of learning takes place in personal conversations in which students feel comfortable and cared for.  They know that their opinions are valued and their motivation and capabilities increase do to this.

Lets get involved and show them theater that makes a difference.  And don't forget, we need to get to know our students as people, so they may grow as individuals.

Thanks for reading,
Aliana ~Theatre Lover~
Future Teacher

Are Your Students Retaining What You Teach? Use Tableaus!

Hello Viewers,

I've been thinking about the nagging question teachers tend to ask themselves.  Are my students retaining what I teach them?

This is a difficult question to answer because it is not easy to tell if they will remember the knowledge you give them after they are tested on it or even before they are tested.  A great tip to get your students to remember important and complex lessons, is using tableaus in your classroom!

Flash mobs, Mock Trials, and Historical Recreations: Fun for Everyone!

Hello readers,
You all have probably been wondering why I titled my blog flash mobs in the classroom and have not written about them yet. Well, without further delay this post shall include how flash mobs as well as mock trials, and historical recreations can be used as theatrical teaching tools.

How to Unite the Cast of Your High School Play Production Or Just Need Group Work to Run Smoothly: Games that Work!

Hello readers,
Ever wonder how you can improve the mood and camaraderie of your cast members? Or perhaps you are assigning group work in your classroom and want to ensure that cooperation is achieved.  Well, here are some short and easy drama activities that can be used, most likely within the drama classroom or production cast, however they may be applicable to other areas in which major group projects are being conducted.

Improv Games For Your High School Drama Class

Hello Readers,
This post is primarily directed towards Drama teachers, but these activities can be used as ice breakers to get to know your students or to kill some time at the end of the period.  Sometimes it can be difficult to find Improv exercises for your Drama classrooms.  I am going to give you some help!

 Looking for Improv Exercises for Your Drama Class?

Well, I have many games that you can easily do with your students.  Improv helps your students feel more comfortable in the classroom.  It also allows your students to practice acting in a more relaxed environment where they are graded on their effort, instead of other aspects of their performance.  The bonus of improv, is of course, that it is fun and exciting.

Drama In the Classroom: Character Development With Onions!

Hello Readers,
For English and Drama classrooms a dramatic presentation of what character development looks like can be shown in many forms.  I am going to use an onion to model this concept for you, so you can model it for your students.