Drama classes in the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy are so designed that children, through creativity, use their right side of the brains.
In Lori Enomoto’s article Improving Academic Success with Right-Brain Learning Methods she states that “Even though about half of students are right-brain learners, schools generally teach children using left-brain methods; auditory, black and white distinctions, and repetition. Lectures fall into this category."
(http://www.crchealth.com/youth-programs/improving-academic-success-right-brain-learning-methods/)Principal of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Cape Town, says “Drama provides a unique opportunity for children and adults to develop creative and spontaneous thinking. Many governments and schools push for results driven education because the only way of getting standardised statistics is through this narrow left-brained testing and examination system. Classroom styles of teaching unfortunately veer heavily to the side of left brain because of the pressures of schools to achieve success in these results, not realising that children who use both hemispheres of their brain are more balanced and likely to enjoy their educational experience more. Many children just don’t get enough opportunities to have fun, be creative and develop their artistic side. Children need to experience more creativity and intuitive reasoning.”
Albert Einstein said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand."
Lori went on to say that: "Rather than labelling your children as “smart” or “academically challenged,” consider how you can better accommodate their differences in learning styles. With about half of the population right-brain dominant, you should be open to learning methods that adjust for differences. Understanding the differences in right-brain and left-brain thinking reinforces schools’ shift away from relying completely on rote memorisation.
When we adjust learning methods to right-brain thinking, we’re placing a higher value on creativity and intuitive reasoning. Right-brain learners, who might otherwise have been turned off by traditional teaching methods, may instead find themselves invested in the learning process.”
The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, for over 36 years internationally has been, in a very proactive way, helping children in schools and private studios to think with the right brain - this in turn makes the overall educational experience of children not only enjoyable but holistic.
The Academy runs drama classes for schools throughout Cape Town and here you can see our utterly wonderful teacher, Sue Wigham, in action with our Grade 6 and 7 classes at John Graham Primary School. These students have been with us for many years and their acting is quite amazing, showing how important the creative side of education is at school. Their who experience of school at John Graham is well-rounded.
For more information about the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, head to our website, www.dramaafrica.com
Telephone 021 6747478
Like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/helenogradycapetown
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