ABSTRACT
Teachers who are concerned to develop drama with young learners consistently pose a number of questions. Examination of the drama sessions, reveals the use of a variety of forms which become the early basis of the group’s drama. The teacher of this group, in making the decisions leading to the activities described, draws also upon her knowledge of young children’s play. She is requiring the learners to use and develop certain aspects of play, notably their facility at dramatic playing. Drama operates within two main strands of cultural behaviour, that of play and more specifically dramatic playing, but also within the conventions of theatre. There is agreement among drama theorists that drama should relate to the concerns of the children, in terms of ideas for starting and developing drama. Writing and reading are also recognised as areas which are enhanced through the use of drama. Drama plays a valuable part in enhancing work across the curriculum.
