The Dramatization of Bible Stories: An experiment in the religious education of children — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The Dramatization of Bible Stories: An experiment in the religious education of children
John Stuart Mill · en
There is some difference of opinion as to the value of the classic
language of the Bible for children, and many advocate the use of modern
or simplified versions. If, however, the children have made their own
efforts to dramatize the story, using first of all their own words, it
is easy to help them to adopt much of the beautiful classic language in
putting the work into its final form. The biblical wording helps to
give the play its proper dignity and atmosphere, at the same time
acquainting the children with the exact language of a piece of good
literature.
The method of procedure which is followed in leading children to work
out their own dramatizations varies slightly according to circumstances
but in the main is as follows:
A story is chosen by the leader which includes the elements essential
for a good dramatization, and it is told to the children in such a way
that the action or events are emphasized. Direct discourse is used in
the telling, and an effort is made to develop simple and vivid mental
pictures. The children divide the story into its most important
pictures or scenes. They then suggest in detail what should take place
in the first scene, and some of them are asked to act it out as they
think it should be done. This first presentation is sometimes stiff
and more or less self-conscious. The leader raises such questions as,
"Which parts did these children do best?" "Why?" "Where can they
improve it?" "What would you do to make the part better?" "What do you
think should have been said here?" This leads to constructive criticism
of the scene by the children themselves rather than by the leader in
charge. Each child is eager to offer suggestions at this point and is
anxious for an opportunity to give his own interpretation of the part
by acting it out. He formulates his words as he acts. He forgets
himself in the genuine interest which arises as he relives the
experience of someone else. Each scene is developed in a similar
manner.
The leader encourages freedom in individual interpretation, yet she is
ever keeping before the children the fact that they are trying to give
a true portrayal of the characters or conditions. It is often valuable
to have a discussion of individual characters for the purpose of
securing clear ideas concerning them. After all have tried various
parts and have offered many suggestions, they may be led to choose that
interpretation which seems most adequate, or they may all work out the
interpretation of a part which will involve the ideas of many. After
the story has been played through a few times, each child should be
able to assume any character. It is an essential part of this method
to see that every child has a different part each time.