How Implementing Art, Play and Drama Therapy in Schools Can Help Children Succeed
In the last two decades, there has been an increasing trend of incorporating art, play, and drama therapy in the UK. It is especially true in the case of schools due to the well-documented implications of these therapies on mental and emotional health.
Even outside of therapy and schools, creative expression benefits people of all ages, including seniors. Since creative therapies involve indirect methods, they are helpful in diagnosing personal issues and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.
Conducting both individual and group sessions is possible and valuable. Being in a group promotes inclusivity and promotes respect for various communities. A one-on-one session will have the same effects but less done in real-time and practice.
What are art, play, and drama therapies?
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visuals to communicate. It is based on the premise that the creative process can be therapeutic and help people resolve issues.
A typical session includes the art therapist observing the expression during the creative process or after the artwork is finished. Art therapy in schools also follows the same pattern and includes but isn’t limited to the following:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Collage
- Photography
The therapist then encourages the child to talk about their artwork and what it represents. The discussions serve as cues toward mental health disorders or personal issues.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy that provides a natural and fun way for children to express themselves and enhance social or coping skills.
Below are a few examples to consider:
- Make-believe play
- Pretend play
- Structured games
So play therapy in schools may use toys, games, and other materials to help the child express their thoughts. It is often used with younger children who may not be able to express themselves verbally. However, it can also be used with older children and adolescents.
Drama Therapy
Drama therapy is also a form of psychotherapy that uses drama and theater elements to treat various mental health issues.
Some examples include:
- Improvisation
- Role-playing
- Creative writing
School drama therapy may also include other forms of performing arts, such as singing, combined with the above techniques. Only a qualified drama therapist is best for understanding how to carry out the above activities in a safe and supportive environment.
How can art, play, and drama help students in schools?
Art, play, and drama can help students in many ways. They can improve academic performance, communication, and social skills.
- Academic performance: Studies have shown that art can help students academically. Taking art classes allows students to improve their focus, which is a necessary skill to learn concepts in any subject.
- Communication skills: Creative therapies can also help students with their communication skills. For instance, art and play therapy can help children with autism better structure their thoughts and respond during a conversation.
- Social skills: Apart from communication, social skills include listening and empathy. These can be enhanced using drama therapy, which allows students to experiment with body language and improve their eye contact and public speaking skills. Children can learn to understand other people’s perspectives and cultures by portraying a particular character.
The challenges of implementing art, play, and drama therapy in schools
Art, play, and drama therapies can help students with social and emotional skills, problem-solving skills, and self-esteem. However, a couple of challenges may arise when trying to implement them.
- Many schools lack the resources to hire trained therapists.
- Schools may also cut off funding for these programs due to budget constraints.
- If there are resources, administrators may need to be more familiar with the benefits of these therapies and how to integrate them into the curriculum.
- Creating an environment that guarantees confidentiality.
- Few therapists can result in workload imbalance, which means students don’t get undivided attention.
Despite the challenges, art, play, and drama therapies can be valuable tools for helping students succeed in school and life. With proper training and support, educators can learn how to use these therapies effectively with their students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, art, play, and drama therapy can be effectively used in schools to help students with their emotional and social development. Schools are under constant pressure to improve test scores and academic achievement.
These therapies can help students learn how to express themselves, cope with stress, and build relationships. So the importance of therapeutic support cannot be understated. If you’re interested in becoming a part of the journey, learn how to volunteer for NOPA and contribute to promoting art, play, and drama therapy in schools for an inclusive and healthy culture.