ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of drama in the primary school. It provides strategies for effective teaching and learning using drama. The chapter considers ways of developing both children's and teachers' confidence in drama. It suggests activities for use in the classroom for drama. The chapter addresses the issue of confidence in drama as well as suggesting a range of activities for different types of drama and exploring ways of planning for drama effectively. It offers children opportunities to engage in activities that can be related to other aspects of the curriculum. The chapter provides opportunities for participants to put themselves into and reflect upon situations through being in role. Drama, like storytelling, draws on a complex web of different sign systems which includes facial expression, body language, intonation, gesture, mime, movement and space. Drama is seldom a solitary activity, even though we may sometimes ask children to do things independently.
