Supporting Drama and Imaginative Play in the Early Years

Introduction

Part one: Understanding dramatic activity

Dramatic process 0-6 years
Understanding the 'pretend self'
Language, drama and the imagination
Drama and personal, social and emotional development
Drama and the whole child
Performance in the early years

Part two: Managing dramatic activity

Creating role play areas
Interactive story making
Using dramatic conventions
Observation, progression and assessment
Conclusion
Index.

Written for the wide range of practitioners working with young children, this book gives guidance on both the theory and the practical management of drama in the Early Years. The relationship between 'pretend play' and the cognitive and affective development of young children is emphasised, having much to inform us about the children in our care. Major themes are children's need to experience quality talk and their engagement in narrative through story-making.

The authors have a wide range of experience in Early Years teaching and in teacher training. Through their work, they are aware of the importance of drama for the development of the young child. Parents and practitioners are encouraged to explore drama activities and examples are given of fantasy play taken from pre-school, nursery and infant settings.

All those involved with Early Years can discover that engaging children in dramatic activity is both a natural form of behaviour and a powerful learning medium.