Presenters

Glenda Seawright
(GMS Consulting)

Glenda Seawright is a highly qualified educator and past school principal who has gained respect in both State and Independent Schools over a period of 30 years. Glenda is a mentor and coach to teachers across all sectors of education.

Valerie Warwick
(Playtime Productions)

Valerie Warwick has worked in education and public relations for 25 years. Author of ECA recommended teacher resource ‘Prep – A Class Act’ and a prolific writer of performance works for schools and drama teachers.

Objective:

To generate awareness of the 'connection' between the five key learning areas of the Early Years Learning Framework and certain dramatized activities that can assist in multiple skill development. To provide teachers with a better understanding of this invaluable 'link' to the active learning processes of thinking, imagining and responding. To enable our young learners to be active participants rather than passive recipients by making them aware of the various communication skills they can draw upon.

Method:

In a group situation, attendees will participate in several hands-on activities, allowing them first-hand experience of the involvement and learning process that a young child would experience in a similar activity. Demonstrating how the use of drama, as a vehicle in which children can interact together, will improve communication skills and assist children to develop an awareness of the sound structure of speech. Through the introduction of various improvisational pieces, participants will experience a series of actions that provide a basis for early mathematical understanding; direction, sequence, order, number. Mime and creative movement activities will demonstrate their usefulness in breaking down inhibitions and assisting children with gesture, body language, timing, discipline and teamwork.

Result:

Participants will have an increased understanding of the benefits of drama in the classroom and how to optimize and enhance early learning experiences by tapping into the child's creative capacity.