Active learning is one of the best forms of education for children rather than just sitting behind a desk. Oakley House High School, which is a special needs school in Cape Town, really does activate children’s learning by using the unique drama curriculum of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy. This is a special school indeed!
The results are self-evident from such drama programmes, taught by drama experts, in special needs schools. Children become more motivated not only for their academic work but also enjoy their overall school experience. The kinaesthetic approach through drama has amazing benefits. Schools which take a more holistic approach to education are serving their children better for the future. Schools which are not just focused on desk work are the ones where children are achieving amazing things on many levels and it is not only academic.
So how does drama help children with special needs or learning difficulties. Listed below are some of the ways we have found that drama makes a difference:
Children with Dyslexia battle with word recognition and vocabulary. Participating in drama classes gives them a wonderful opportunity to use and enjoy language without worrying about the written word on the page. Children with dyslexia get very tired in class from the concentration of the letter and word processing and understandably find reading work frustrating. Drama provides a great outlet for dyslexic children many thrive not only in the freedom of language use but also the ability to use their creativity without the constraints of pen and paper. Likewise we have found that when actual script work is involved, children’s recognition of language patterns is better because of the context of play.
In the same way children who have problems with language such as Dysphasia and Aphasia are proactively helped with spoken language within drama classes and their comprehension improves through the active involvement in plots and situations. Likewise this type of drama helps children with auditory processing difficulties through the speech work. Forming sounds clearly through group speech activities enables children’s own language and understanding to become clearer, and improves overall confidence in communication.
Children who have problems with motor skills Dyspraxia find the movement skills in the drama incredible helpful working with hand-eye coordination and general dexterity. The cross lateral movement skills enable more right/left brain activation and is a fun way of developing co-ordination.
The very nature of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) means that these children find difficulty in focusing, sitting still and following instructions. The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy’s curriculum is really fast-paced and geared towards ADHD children and through this, there are not the behavioural issues sometimes attributed to these children. In fact this is a great outlet for letting off steam as they are stimulated by the quick change of activities.
Children with Autism or Asperger’s syndrome have difficulty communicating, reading the body language of others, making friends and even eye contact, so drama for them is a huge tool for developing social skills. The Academy has seen amazing results with autistic children. The programme whist being performance arts based, is actually a taught curriculum in communication skills. Therefore, the lessons are highly proactive, training children how to read and understand body language and voice nuances. It also helps children to understand the social context of what they are saying or how they are reacting so they become better at social interaction.
For many reasons some children find learning and concentration at school because of anxiety, stress or they may have suffered at traumatic event in their life. Drama in schools provides a therapy for many to overcome their fears and worries. Through enacting role-play, having the opportunity to make mistakes in a fun environment and learning to understand themselves better, these children who attend drama classes become much more self-assured.
Watching children grow and thrive through drama is very special indeed. Our special needs children are some of the most wonderful actors, have the most enthusiasm and show the most remarkable development academically and socially.
For more information about the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, head to our website: www.dramaafrica.com
www.facebook.com/helenogradycapetown
Telephone: +27 21 6747478
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| Teaching ‘Macbeth’ to Special Needs children at Oakley House High School |
So how does drama help children with special needs or learning difficulties. Listed below are some of the ways we have found that drama makes a difference:
Children with Dyslexia battle with word recognition and vocabulary. Participating in drama classes gives them a wonderful opportunity to use and enjoy language without worrying about the written word on the page. Children with dyslexia get very tired in class from the concentration of the letter and word processing and understandably find reading work frustrating. Drama provides a great outlet for dyslexic children many thrive not only in the freedom of language use but also the ability to use their creativity without the constraints of pen and paper. Likewise we have found that when actual script work is involved, children’s recognition of language patterns is better because of the context of play.
 |
| Acting out a script, particularly helpful for those children with reading difficulties |
Children who have problems with motor skills Dyspraxia find the movement skills in the drama incredible helpful working with hand-eye coordination and general dexterity. The cross lateral movement skills enable more right/left brain activation and is a fun way of developing co-ordination.
The very nature of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) means that these children find difficulty in focusing, sitting still and following instructions. The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy’s curriculum is really fast-paced and geared towards ADHD children and through this, there are not the behavioural issues sometimes attributed to these children. In fact this is a great outlet for letting off steam as they are stimulated by the quick change of activities.
 |
| Movement skills of drama hugely beneficial to special needs children |
For many reasons some children find learning and concentration at school because of anxiety, stress or they may have suffered at traumatic event in their life. Drama in schools provides a therapy for many to overcome their fears and worries. Through enacting role-play, having the opportunity to make mistakes in a fun environment and learning to understand themselves better, these children who attend drama classes become much more self-assured.
Watching children grow and thrive through drama is very special indeed. Our special needs children are some of the most wonderful actors, have the most enthusiasm and show the most remarkable development academically and socially.
For more information about the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, head to our website: www.dramaafrica.com
www.facebook.com/helenogradycapetown
Telephone: +27 21 6747478
 |
| The self-confidence taught in drama classes cannot be underestimated |
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