As a practitioner in the field of speech-language pathology, you're constantly looking for evidence-based methods to enhance the communication skills of children. A recent study titled Performing for Better Communication: Creativity, Cognitive-Emotional Skills and Embodied Language in Primary Schools provides valuable insights into how drama-based approaches can significantly improve children's language and emotional skills.
This study, conducted by Eschenauer et al. (2023), explored the use of performative theatre to develop communication skills in primary school students, particularly those with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDS). The researchers implemented a drama-based approach to stimulate creativity, emotional skills, and executive functions, all essential components of oral communication.
Key Findings
The research highlighted several critical outcomes:
- Improved Emotional Awareness: The study found that drama activities helped children better identify and express their emotions. This improvement was particularly notable in children with NDDS, who often struggle with social-emotional skills.
- Enhanced Creativity: Participating in drama-based activities encouraged children to use language creatively, fostering a more dynamic and flexible use of language.
- Better Executive Functions: The performative theatre approach improved children's executive functions, such as inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and emotional control, which are crucial for effective communication.
Implementing Drama-Based Approaches in Your Practice
Given these promising results, incorporating drama-based activities into your therapy sessions can be highly beneficial. Here are some practical steps to get started:
- Warm-Up Activities: Begin with simple warm-up exercises that encourage children to express different emotions through facial expressions and body language.
- Role-Playing: Use role-playing scenarios to help children practice language in various social contexts. This can enhance their ability to adapt their communication based on the situation.
- Storytelling: Integrate storytelling activities where children can create and act out their narratives. This fosters creativity and helps them understand the structure of language.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides a solid foundation, it's essential to continue exploring how different creative approaches can enhance communication skills. Encourage your colleagues and peers to engage in similar research to build a more comprehensive understanding of these methods' effectiveness.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Performing for Better Communication: Creativity, Cognitive-Emotional Skills and Embodied Language in Primary Schools.
