Chapter 7: Drama, Movement, and Dance

Although we use our bodies in all of the visual arts and writing activities, drama, movement, and dance are all about embodying our spirit and creativity.

Younger children are eager to move, but most youth lose this sense of bodily expression in our intellectual Western culture. Unless they participate in sports or dance, children do not use their bodies in this way, and they grow self-conscious as they get older. Leaders must give children permission to be silly and to stretch their imaginations through their bodies. The invitation to participate is vital; if the leaders are willing to move, the children usually will move too. Incorporate these types of activities into the weekly routine so that the children get used to moving as part of the class.