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ERIC Number: EJ823964
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0009-4056
EISSN: N/A
Creative Drama in Preschool Curriculum: Teaching Strategies Implemented in Hungary
Szecsi, Tunde
Childhood Education, v85 n2 p120 Win 2008
In an imaginary "Agency of Smiles," preschool children pretending to be aid workers are immersed in such activities as typing letters, sending and receiving faxes, answering phones, and negotiating with clients. A mail carrier delivers a letter from an immigrant preschool boy in the Netherlands, who requests help in making friends in his new environment. The employees of "Agency of Smiles" brainstorm about possible solutions. Finally, children send an "ambassador" with the following message: "Let your teacher know about your skills, and demonstrate them to your classmates, too. It does not matter that you do not speak the new language; you can sing, draw pictures, or do sports with your new friends. This will make you happy, and other children will realize how wonderful you are." At this Hungarian preschool, children, teachers, and even custodians are improvising a role with the guidance of a facilitator. While imitating actions and language in this imaginary environment, children are solving problems and developing comprehension of themselves and the world around them. In Hungary, preschools are required to develop their own curriculum in compliance with the National Program of Preschool Education, which provides a flexible framework for education standards for children ages 3-7. Early childhood educators are given the autonomy to design a culturally and individually appropriate preschool program in their own communities. The teachers at this Hungarian preschool, named the "Little Snug House," recognized that young children learn best through dramatic play and interaction with their environment, and they developed an integrated curriculum rich in opportunities for creative drama. Through these various drama activities, children become empowered with knowledge, skills, and attitudes about themselves and the world around them. Teachers, by acting as facilitators of drama, can further enhance the experiences with these innovative and creative drama strategies to ensure the most optimal learning and development of young children. (Contains 2 notes.)
Association for Childhood Education International. 17904 Georgia Avenue Suite 215, Olney, MD 20832. Tel: 800-423-3563; Tel: 301-570-2111; Fax: 301-570-2212; e-mail: headquarters@acei.org; Web site: http://www.acei.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Hungary
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A