How does acting lessons help children?
It is a common trend noticed
among numerous children, that being center stage or speaking in public gives
them the jitters. Especially for children who are shy this prospect seems to be
completely nerve-wracking for them. According to the latest studies, for
breaking such kids out of the confines of their introversion and providing them
with the right tools and surroundings to help them develop self-confidence
taking acting lessons can be a good idea.
It has been found that with
acting classes children develop better abilities to speak in public and find is
easier to perform and socialize with others as well. This is a gradual process
that takes time to develop and varies from child to child. The key is to
practice so that a child can feel more self-assured and confident to perform in
any kind of social setting. With acting lessons a shy child can
gradually expand their personal comfort level as opposed to experiencing trial
by fire.
The environments provided at
acting classes are very nurturing and safe. Thus, it allows children to branch
out and experiment new things without being afraid of ridicule or failure.
Children try honing their performing and public speaking skills at these
classes as creativity and self-expression is highly encouraged in these
surroundings.
Another great thing about
acting classes is the fact that this is the only field where learning seems to
be more like playing. Acting lessons often involve funny, nonsensical things
like making hilarious noises or pretending to be a dinosaur. This allows a
child to forget if anyone is even watching, thus, helping to melt away their
shyness.
Will it affect my child’s test scores?
As opposed to what is the
popular belief that acting or drama classes can be a bit of a distraction for
kids, and many parents worry that learning acting will tarnish
their academic performance. This is far from the truth. As a recent UCLA study
concluded with surprising results, that children involved in extracurricular
activities, especially performing arts, tend to score higher than average.
Almost about a 100 points higher in their SATs, as reported according to a
separate study led by The College Board.
Acting lessons help to learn from failures
One cannot learn things from winning
but losing always gives us a lesson. This is exactly the kind of growth acting
lessons offer children. Children do not always get the best role in the play or
the character they desired to be. But this disappointment can help him/her
learn to absorb constructive criticism and accept it. When children ask their
drama teacher’s why they did not get a certain part in the play, they are
provided with constructive and specific suggestions which will only help them
to get better. Accepting criticism is important lessons of life that can help a
child understand that he/she needs to improve in certain ways.
Also if a child does not get a
particular role because he/she came unprepared, then this disappointment will
help her understand that it is best to come well prepared to give a good
audition, which is also a valuable lesson.
Check out our acting courses at www.youthactingcorner.com