Introducing Drama in the Children's House

By Cathy Dorner

Children are, as Montessori guides know, natural role players and actors. On the playground, they love to imagine themselves as characters in a great adventure or perform pretend domestic roles in a fabricated family under the play structure. In the classroom, they get a little taste of the limelight while meticulously replicating their Guide's movements in a grace and courtesy lesson. My earlier attempts to respond to the children's interest in dramatic play were chaotic and devolved into fantasy.  After some trial and error, I have learned some simple techniques to introduce dramatic play that are fun, manageable, and purposeful. I have had good success with this method, judging from the children's enthusiasm and excitement.

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Cathy Dorner has been a primary trained guide in Portland for over 20 years and is currently on the OMA Board.