ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to present a pedagogical design that frames the ways in which drama can be used to teach language in the classroom. Over recent years, the authors have extensively studied the educational use of drama for language learning in Icelandic primary schools. The challenge is to understand how children develop literacy, and to create a curriculum that actively engages them in studies that stimulate their vocabulary and language skills. This chapter is based on findings from two studies. Firstly, ‘Creative Learning through Drama’, and, secondly, ‘Can Drama through Icelandic Tales Increase Children’s Vocabulary?’ The data were gathered through mixed methods, both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings showed that creative learning methods led to an increase in students’ vocabulary. Children’s imagination flourishes in drama, where they build their own ‘world of imagination’, and in doing so, learn to apply a diverse vocabulary as they place themselves in the footsteps of the characters they play.
