ELC

Dramatic Play

Young children love to immerse themselves in dramatic activities that arise from rich, imaginative play. Dramatic play enables children to break through the restrictions of reality. They pretend to be someone or something different from themselves, and create situations and actions which assist their role play.

Even very young children can become partners in an adventure of shared meanings as they travel through time and place to discover themselves in other worlds. With the support of skilled teachers, dramatic learning activities nurture and develop both individual and group skills. These activities enhance the children’s abilities to communicate their ideas and feelings through interaction and collaboration with others.

There are many long-term benefits of creative drama, including problem-solving and thinking on one’s feet, collaboration skills and the development of a sense of presence, empathy and the ability to put creative ideas into action – skills which are essential for success in this everchanging world.

The annual Pre-Prep Concert is always a wonderful celebration of the children’s dramatic achievements, and this year the children were excited to present The Secret Garden for parents and friends. This outstanding theatrical event reflected the children’s interest in the natural world, and sprang from the many explorations of PLC’s extensive outdoor environment. The Secret Garden presented the story of a young girl’s imaginary garden containing a world of amazing creatures to discover. Bees, birds, ants, butterflies, spiders, ladybirds, fruit, vegetables, flowers and scarecrows danced and sang on the stage with everyone having a special part to play.

This concert, together with the excellent Junior and Senior School productions, highlight the importance of drama at PLC. It is truly amazing to see children achieve when they are given the time and space to imagine, create and act out the various scenarios that give meaning to their lives.

Deborah Hendren Head of Early Learning