How can classroom learning be made fun for children with learning disabilities by including drama and practical knowledge?
Learning is an ongoing process of acquiring knowledge, information, and skills; in order to do this, we must experience new information, take some time to focus or pay attention to it, then associate it with something we already know, and store in our memory so we can apply it practically in the future. Most students are often expected to learn from reading books, attending classes, and conducting research which may not always be the most conducive and effective way to learn something new especially if you teach in an inclusive school that has to cater to the various needs of all its students including students with learning disabilities.
Students with learning disabilities thrive in environments that provide opportunities to learn and engage with knowledge in a more hands-on, experiential method that allows them to experience the concepts through sensory integration, where they use their five senses to receive, organize and respond to new information being taught in class. This is also a form of “active learning”. A simple way to make learning more interactive and fun is by introducing an element of “drama” into the classroom.
Drama as a medium of art helps students not only express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions but it also provides them with varied perspectives improving their ability to problem solve and critically think. Learning as a process begins when we experience something new, using drama as a learning tool can make this initial introduction to a concept or subject far more engaging than passive learning methods like watching a video or reading a text. Various educational objectives are met when we use drama in the classroom like exploring and ideating, developing imagination and creativity, fostering communication and social skills, improving literacy skills and increasing emotional intelligence.
Classroom application could include re-enacting historical scenes or events like the signing of the independence treaty or Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech ‘tryst with destiny’ on our first day of independence. Develop scenarios to prompt critical thinking like probably having two prominent leaders of the past discuss the current war between Russia and Ukraine. Other applications may also include acting out imaginary scenarios as a way to approach dialogue writing or literary sketches or stimulate ideas to help us compose fictional essays and poetry. Drama also helps build spontaneity through improvisation and creative thinking; this helps students open up in their ability to communicate even the most nuanced experiences.
Research specifies that using drama as a tool for teaching helps students learn socially, academically, and developmentally. Research also shows us that emotions are linked to learning, when we emotionally connect with a concept, we can create a better understanding of the concept or idea taught and ‘drama’ is an excellent tool to get that effect back into the classroom. Various components of drama make the students an active part of the learning process and not just mere observers of the content presented in a presentation or in a text book.
Drama also creates a non-threatening environment where students can freely participate, overserve and demonstrate learning while giving them the opportunity to build their confidence and use their creativity to express and voice themselves. It also gives students the opportunity to cooperate, coordinate and interact with each other in a controlled setting, this will lead to improved peer relations and better classroom dynamics.
We have to be aware in both integrated as well as inclusive classrooms that the needs of our students are as unique as their learning difficulties. Bringing in elements of drama, music, theatre, and visual arts into your classroom makes learning a richer experience for all learners. As an arts-based therapist and working with children with special needs for over 5 years now, creative learning strategies will not just bring in practical learning but it will also help students learn actively giving them a better chance to engage, understand, recall and apply what they learn in school.
Also read,
Role Of A Shadow Teacher In The Education Of A Student With Learning Disability.
Teaching Strategies Of Special Education Schools.
How TABIS Helps Students With Learning Disabilities Learn And Grow In School?
