I just read a great SHORT article on the Mind/Shift blog by
Annie Murphy Paul titled "Why Students Should Be Allowed to Act Out
(Scenes) In Class". You can read it HERE! Teachers who use a variety
of learning styles know first-hand the benefits of adding kinesthetic
activities to their lessons. The author mentions research that concludes physically
acting out text improves comprehension and the ability to make inferences.
As I read, my mind starting swimming with possibilities.
There are so many ways to use the ideas presented here in any classroom. Obviously, acting out
stories comes to mind. Many teachers already do this, with the use of reader's
theater and puppet shows. How about having students do simple guided retelling
of a story with objects or props, as suggested by the author? No props? Kids can make them during a center time!
While not everything has to be a major production,
performing for an audience can be motivating for students. Since it provides an
authentic reason for doing something, why not take the show on the road? Can students
perform their retelling for their classmates? The homeroom next door? Their
buddy class? If not, can someone videotape it, perhaps with an iPad? Then, it
can easily be shared with parents via email or posted to a class website or
blog.
Re-enactments do not have to be limited to the stories from
the reading curriculum, either. This could be a fun way to spice up an OCM
(anti-bullying) lesson. After reading a bunch of books, such as "Hooway for Wodney Wat" by Helen Lester or "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" by Patty Lovell, students could work in cooperative groups to
retell their favorite one.
Acting will work in any curriculum area as well. Annie
Murphy Paul gave a great example of acting out word problems in math. What a
nice way to bring a boring worksheet to life!
Social studies and science concepts become clearer this way,
too. For example, when studying the water cycle, students often learn a little
poem about precipitation, evaporation and condensation (click HERE to download
a copy). Add some arm motions or props, such as an umbrella, and you have the visual
and kinesthetic support many kids crave!
Reviewing vocabulary words becoming a chore? Ask students to
find an object to represent the word. Or, challenge partners to create a ten
second skit, acting out the word. Charades with a purpose!
P.E.? Art? Music? Are there class procedures that can be
acted out? A famous composer or artist's biography? Rules to a game? Important
terms to be mastered?
I'd love to hear how others are using the idea acting out in
their classrooms. Feel free to add a comment below!
