Children's interest in theater
Elements of theater are naturally woven into every child's life. As soon as a preschooler gets involved in the simplest role-playing games, he already shows himself as an actor.
The play activities of preschool children contribute to the formation of their interest in the theater. The plot, attributes, costumes, playing out the intended roles - these are the elements of theatrical activity. Basic plot - role-playing games: “Bus”, “Family”, “Shop” - these are small improvised performances in which the children themselves become directors and actors.
It is impossible not to note the creative dramatization games that are based on a literary work. Usually children act out short fairy tales, such as “Ryaba the Hen”, “Teremok”, “The Fox and the Hare”.
You can invite preschoolers to use table theater puppets, shadow puppets, finger puppets and others for staging. Children will be interested in dolls - fairy tale heroes, made together from wooden spoons, plastic cups and other materials.
A special place in the development of interest in the “magical world of art” is occupied by special theatrical activities, when performances with the participation of children are staged for the holidays. Usually this is a serious musical performance that allows preschool children to feel like real actors.
All these are objective conditions that bring real theater closer to the child. Therefore, when a preschooler is told that “we are going to watch a performance where there will be real fairy-tale characters on stage,” the child develops some understanding of what is being said.
Rules of conduct in the theater for children
When going to a theatrical performance, it is important to remind your preschooler of the rules of theater etiquette.
This will allow him to feel more confident, and the adult will not worry about the occurrence of “awkward” situations.
Much depends on what conditions the adults create and how they set up the child to attend the theater. Therefore, we offer a reminder to those accompanying a preschooler to the performance:
- Create a festive atmosphere (conversation, smart clothes).
- Bring your child 30 minutes before the start of the performance so that he can adapt to the environment.
- Take your child to the restroom before the show starts.
- Take water, wet wipes or paper tissues with you.
- Enter the hall in advance, without waiting for the third bell.
- Do not offer the phone as an alternative to what is happening on stage, even if it is noticeable that the child has lost interest. It is necessary to try to return him to the wave of a theatrical fairy tale.
- After returning, it is necessary to talk with the preschooler about his impressions and do not forget to share yours.
- Personal example is the main lesson for your child.
A reminder for children on how to behave in the theater
It is important to explain to children how to behave in the theater hall and foyer, what rules must be followed during the performance, and what they are allowed to do during intermission. It is enough to formulate 10 rules that a child can understand, which will become a guide for his behavior in the theater.
- Having heard the bell, you should enter the hall without lingering in the foyer unless there are important reasons.
- It is necessary to maintain silence so as not to disturb the artists playing and neighbors to perceive what is happening on stage.
- You need to get up and sit down silently, holding the seat of the chair with your hand.
- You cannot occupy both armrests; one of them is intended for a neighbor.
- It is not advisable to leave the hall during the performance.
- You can only have a snack or drink water during intermission.
- During intermission, you are not allowed to run or jump in the foyer.
- Applause is appropriate only at the end of an action or the entire performance.
- You cannot leave your seat until the curtain closes.
- In the wardrobe you can't jostle to be first.
How can parents prepare their child for visiting the theater?
Children in the theater are already little theatergoers who must be ready to perceive what is happening on stage. Therefore, a preliminary conversation with the child about the place of visit and rules of behavior is necessary. The plot of the play should be familiar and understandable to a preschooler and appropriate to his age. It is advisable to give preference to a puppet theater performance. “Living dolls” will attract the child’s interest more than adult artists.
At what age should you start getting involved in the theater?
At 3 years old, a modern child is ready to experience theatrical performances. Of course, it is necessary to take into account his individual characteristics: communication skills, level of cognitive interest, physical activity. The performance should be no more than 40 minutes (and for younger preschoolers 25-30 minutes), since due to age-related characteristics of the emotional-volitional sphere, it is difficult for a child to sit still for a long time.
Older preschoolers perceive with interest both puppet shows and the acting of actors on stage. If the show is fun and fast-paced, they can hold their attention for about an hour.
What is useful to tell children about the theater
In advance, before attending the performance, you need to tell your preschooler what special place you are going to visit. Information about the theater must be appropriate for the child’s age and contain the following information:
- which is a large theater building;
- who works there;
- what artists do;
- who are the spectators?
- what the play will be about;
- how to behave correctly.
The story should be short, but contain basic information.
Plot-role-playing game "Theater"
There is no better activity for a preschooler than playing. Therefore, the rules of behavior in the theater can be reinforced with the help of role-playing games. Of course, such a plot is difficult for children, but it can easily be used for children of older preschool age. The organizer is most often an adult.
Goal and preparation for the game
The main goal of the role-playing game “Theater” is to consolidate and expand existing knowledge about the theater and the rules of theater etiquette. The game requires some preparation:
- conversations with children about theater arts (short, dynamic) to deepen their knowledge;
- experience of attending theatrical performances;
- dialogue about what was seen (observations) and generalization of information;
- It is possible to jointly produce attributes for the game (poster, tickets, elements of costumes for artists, etc.).
Distribution of roles
The main roles in such a game action are: spectators, artists and theater employees (cashier, controller, salesperson in the theater buffet).
It is necessary to talk with the children about the peculiarities of the actions of each of them.
For example, at the box office the cashier sells tickets, inspectors check them and seat the audience, at the buffet visitors are offered juices and ice cream, actors perform a performance, and small theatergoers, following all the rules of theater etiquette, enjoy the performance. In the future, you can complicate the game. For example, you can enter the role of a make-up artist, costume designer, director, mother with baby.
Progress of the game
The course of the game is a simulation of a visit to the theater. Each of the children performs their chosen role, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of its characteristics and rules of behavior. The role of an adult is an indirect influence on the participants in the game. This is an explanation, advice on the course of game actions, help, and possibly role-playing participation (for example, one of the spectators).
Feedback upon completion of the game
Upon completion of game actions, feedback is possible. An adult may ask whether the children liked this game, how correctly each played their role, whether it was difficult, whether all the spectators behaved appropriately during the theatrical performance, etc.
The plot game “Theater” will allow children to feel and understand the rules of conduct in the theater in a simple and understandable environment. Its organization at first will require some effort and the participation of an adult. In the future, preschoolers will be able to independently play out the plot they already know, enriching it with new roles and details.
Parents and educators, remember that how much art and theatrical culture will become an integral part of your child’s adult life depends on your interest and personal example.
Useful to read: table manners for children.
