Return to Pregnancy & Parenting Center main page
Setting The Stage For Your Child's Imagination
(NC)-The idea of trying to get a room full of two-year-olds to sit still for an hour would strike most parents as impossible. But James Simon, Artistic Director of the George Brown Theatre School (and the father of a two-year-old himself) says it's not - and, in fact, can be an important part of your child's development.
"Theatre represents a rare opportunity for kids to use their imagination fully," says Simon. With video games and special effects in movies and even television providing so much ready-made spectacle, it can be a challenge for parents to find something entertaining for children that also challenges and engages them. "The magic of the theatre is when you go to see a show - and the budget is next to nothing - the kids have to imagine that the set is a pirate ship or a castle, and they'll go there with you."
But getting a child to go along can take some work. It's important for children to be prepared for the experience of being in a theatre, as well as for the show they're going to see. And according to Simon, reading is one of the most important elements of that preparation. "It's an oral tradition. I love to read to my little boy, it's my favourite time of the day. And our theatre, in the western tradition, is based on a text, so reading to your kids is a great way to prep them."
For parents, the work pays off. Theatre becomes a very important feature of a child's development as they learn to use their imagination and develop an understanding of storytelling, themes, issues and ideas. After seeing the show, there are games to play, reenactments, discussions and drawings - a rich trove of activities for parents and children alike.
For parents who are seeking fun ways to spend time with their children, the theatre stands out. "It's a communal experience," says Simon. "To have the kids and the parents all in the same room, being part of something, it's pretty rare - and pretty amazing."
More information about theatre for children is available online at www.georgebrown.ca/theatre.
Comments
No Comments
Return to Pregnancy & Parenting Center main page
