Drama articles
Performing arts: 7 ways it can boost your child's development
Acting, dancing and singing classes aren’t just for future stars of stage and screen. Enrolling your child in an extra-curricular performing arts class could be an amazing boost to their development and life skills. Here are seven surprising ways the performing arts could benefit your child.
5 ways to bring stories to life for your child
Develop your child's creativity – and yours! – by telling and sharing stories. Performance storyteller John Kirk offers a few expert tips to help you make an ordinary retelling of a traditional tale memorable and magical.
Why arts education matters in primary schools
From unleashing creativity to improving life chances, we take a look at why art, music, drama and dance are important for primary school children.
50 of the best virtual trips and educational experiences for families
In this day and age, we may be spending more time indoors but thanks to our laptops and devices we can let the world come to us instead – take a trip round Frida Kahlo’s kitchen, share some chocolate cake with Michael Rosen and journey to the International Space Station with our pick of 50 of the best virtual trips and educational experiences. By Hetty Walton
Best Shakespeare books for children
From modern-English retellings to comic-book versions of the plays, there are wonderful books available to help you introduce Shakespeare's timeless stories to your primary-school child. Will you read The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream or Hamlet together at bedtime tonight?
Best children's books about dance, drama and the stage
Does your child love to perform? Do they dream of a life on the stage or on television, dancing or acting or singing? Whether they're hoping to become a ballerina or a pop star or just love reading about actors, dancers and musicians, we've picked some of the best kids' books that celebrate performance and dance.
Museums reviewed by parents: Discover Children's Story Centre
Bring learning to life with a visit to one of our parent-recommended museums. We love Children's Story Centre Discover, a haven for bookworms, story-tellers and adventurers in Stratford, north east London.
Encourage a love of drama and the stage
Whether your child is a diva in the making or more inclined to be backstage crew, drama and acting could help develop skills that will offer a boost in many areas of life, says Lucy Dimbylow.
What is a play script?
Children learn to read, write and perform play scripts as part of the English and drama curriculum in primary school. Find out about the features of this genre, as well as ways to support your child's learning at home.
What’s taught in Foundation Stage drama?
Your guide to what your child will learn in drama at nursery and school and what you can do to inspire your budding actor or actress at home.
Key Stage 1 drama – what they learn
Find out what your wannabe actor will be learning in school and how to help them practise drama at home.
Key Stage 2 drama – the curriculum
Do you have a young starlet in your household? We take a look at some of the different skills and activities your child will learn in Key Stage 2 drama classes.
What your child learns in Key Stage 3 drama
Do you have a bright young star in the family? Find out what your child will be taught in drama lessons and how you can extend this learning at home.
How debating can benefit your child
From improving speaking and listening skills to building self-esteem, learning to debate could have many benefits for your primary-school child. Lucy Dimbylow finds out more.
What children gain from school film clubs
Film clubs are enjoying a resurgence of interest thanks to a new scheme which provides schools with a range of films and the technology to screen them. Schools claim the learning opportunities are broad. We sent Emily Organ to investigate.
National curriculum drama: the lowdown
Most children are natural actors and drama helps to unleash their creativity and build up their confidence. Find out what your child will be learning in class and how you can develop their flair for the theatrical at home.