Noting that there are few resources available for preschool or kindergarten teachers committed to providing high-quality drama experiences to students, this book explores ways teachers can maximize the drama experience in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Topics discussed in the book's introduction include dramatic play and early development, active learning, drama and the curriculum, developmental differences, and making drama age appropriate. Chapter 1, "Getting Started," includes discussions on the nature of dramatic activity, determining the best approach to take for each scene, and suitable roles for children and teacher. Chapter 2, "Stepping into Stories," discusses story drama, including story drama methodology and story drama reports. Topics in chapter 3, "Beyond Story," include incidental drama, evolving drama, and preplanned drama. Chapter 4, "Props and Other Multisensory Stimuli," discusses using props and multisensory stimulation, and incorporating sign language and kinesthetic learning. Chapter 5, "Dramatizing Myth with Young Children," includes discussions of the power of myth, making myths age appropriate, and forging connections with masks and props. Topics discussed in chapter 6, "Drama for Emotional Growth," include empathy and processing emotion through story. Chapter 7, "Involving Children with Special Needs," includes ideas for drama sessions and discusses adapting drama for children with special needs and making accommodations for children with physical limitations. Chapter 8, "Assessment," discusses assessment for instructional purposes and methods for assessing drama. Contains a bibliography of children's books and 77 references. (LPP)