Arts & Imagination Help Us to Be Silly, Free & Ourselves

Recently I saw my Dramatic Kids class create and act out a skit. Totally off the cuff. It took about fifteen minutes for us to come up with an idea, sketch out a possible storyline, and perform it. There was a king, a queen, a couple princesses, a pirate, and a magic owl. Within their story several wars took place where alliances kept changing. Time froze. It was a little crazy, and it didn’t make that much sense. The kiddos loved it. So did I.

Acting gives us the opportunity to be ourselves, to be free, to be silly, even ridiculous. And while we’re “on stage” (whether it’s a real stage or not) we get to feel things. Happiness. Sadness. Disappointment. Anger. Relief. Giddiness. Without all that real-life baggage. It’s a safe space to be who you are. The best thing about tapping into your feelings while acting out a skit or playing an improv game? You don’t have to think about it. You just do it. You simply are.

Photo credit: CARE Actor Dramatic Kids class
 
There’s a lot of great research about the impact arts education and pretend play has on kids’ social and emotional development. Here’s one article we found particularly interesting because it shares findings from several different studies.
 
Want to get creative at home? Read on for a fun improv game you can play with your family and a list of five feeling-centered books.

Photo credit: CARE Actor Dramatic Kids class
 
Walking Blind
 
In the classroom, we use this super simple improv game to build trust. It’s also a good one for empathy because it asks participants to be aware of each other’s experience and comfort level. Since you don’t need any props, this is a great exercise to do at home.

1. Find a space in your home or yard that you think will be good to walk around in.
2. You can do this with two or more people. If you have more, divide into pairs. Partner 1 closes her eyes. (You can use a blindfold, but you don’t need one.) Partner 2 takes her hand and leads her around your designated area.
3. Be silent while you walk. Go slowly. Figure out how to lead without talking. Whoever’s leading the blind wants to make their partner feel comfortable and safe. You’ll want to figure out what works best for your partner. Should you hold both hands, or just by the elbow? Or maybe throw an arm around his shoulder? Should you stand behind or go in front? How do you communicate when to turn or stop?
4. After a few minutes, switch places.
5. Talk about the experience. What was it like? Did this give you a new perspective?

 
Five books about feelings
 
Amazing Grace, by Mary Hoffman

Image credit: Amazon.com

“Grace was a girl who loved stories. She didn’t mind if they were read to her or told to her or made up in her own head. She didn’t care if they were in books or movies or out of Nana’s long memory. Grace just loved stories.”
 
Carry Me! by Rosemary Wells

Image credit: Amazon.com

“Sing me a winter song/ I’ll sing you right along/ The old song we know/ About the Wild Winter Wizard/ With his beard full of blizzard/ And his bags full of snow.”
 
Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes

“Chrysanthemum wilted. She did not think her name was absolutely perfect. She thought it was absolutely dreadful.”
 
A Sick Day for Amos McGee, by Phillip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Image credit: Amazon.com

“Amos had a lot to do at the zoo, but he always made time to visit his good friends. He would play chess with the elephant (who thought and thought before making a move).”
 
Stellaluna, by Janell Cannon

Image credit: Amazon.com

“ ‘And how can we feel so different and be so much alike?’ wondered Pip.
‘I think this is quite a mystery,’ Flap chirped.
‘I agree,” said Stellaluna. ‘But we’re friends. And that’s a fact.’ ”

What about you? What do you think is the impact of storytelling and pretend play? Share your experiences in the comments below!