Thursday, March 12, 2015

How does acting lessons help children?



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. 
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