Storytelling And Drama In Christian Education Essay

, Research Paper

BETHANY BIBLE COLLEGE

RESEARCH PAPER:

The Uses of Drama and Storytelling

In

Christian Education

BY: PHILIP SMITH

SPO # 187

Introduction to Christian Education

Dr. Cynthia Brown

December 11, 2000

In a world so full of fast paced media, glitz, and glamour, the church can find itself in a precarious position. When it comes to teaching the truth of the scriptures, how can the church keep up with society. How can the church effectively minister to and educate its people. The answer to these questions may well be found in the art of drama and storytelling. Thus, the primary focus of this research paper will be to answer the question How can drama and storytelling be used effectively in today s Christian Education. First, there must be an inclusive study of the distinctives of each type of educational tool. Second, there must be an understanding of why these tools might be so effective. And thirdly, the presentation of these tools must be looked at. And then, if the conclusion that these educational tools are effective is found at the end of this research document, then they must be encouraged and implemented in our churches today!

It would seem reasonable to first take a look at the art of storytelling, since it naturally comes before the other arts like drama and role-playing. But first, what is storytelling. Well, it is really a combination of several things. First, it is a ministry. Yes, people are ministered to through the telling of (biblical or otherwise) stories. It is a unlimited way of portraying the truths of the bible to the listeners. Second, it is a message. Whatever is contained in the story should a message wrapped in an attractive package, easily assimilated and digested. (Barrett 1960, 12) Thirdly, it is a picture that is painted with selectively chosen words that produce a desired effect. And lastly, it is work. It is generally well known that one hour of preparation is required for every one minute of production. Telling stories is not easy but the hard work is worth it. (Barrett 1960, 12)

There are basically three elements to storytelling: One, the speaker, two, the story itself, and three, the audience. If a person has numbers one and two, the third is easy to come by! (Barrett 1960, 14) Storytelling is referred to as an art because it takes practice. It is a way of expressing one s ideas to a higher degree. It is something that needs to be learned and prepared for. The best storytellers are those that love people. For it is the love for the audience that brings out the most in a story. (Barrett 1960, 13)

When one looks at the traditional classroom, they think of students sitting in neatly lined up rows of desks and chairs that are quietly and patiently listening. Or at least that would be the ideal classroom. However, research shows that children learn at a much faster pace and on a larger scale when they are encouraged to participate in the learning activity. (Bolton 1972, 91) Storytelling is just one of the avenues in which students can participate in the learning activity. As another author describes it, storytelling is a sharing experience. (Baker 1977, 17) Storytelling is a way of heightening ones awareness to the situation presented to them. People are more apt to listen and tune in during storytelling times. (Baker 1977, 17) Baker adds on a few pages later that storytelling encourages the art of listening. And everyone knows what happens when people listen they learn. (Baker 1977, 20)

Storytelling is not just a catalyst for listening people. Storytelling is also a benefit spiritually to both those who are preparing the story and for those who will be listening to it. While the student or teacher prepares the story, they are firming their own knowledge of the biblical story in their minds. (Bolton 1972, 94)

Drama is also an educational tool that can be used in ministry. It naturally comes after storytelling, since its whole foundation is based on storytelling itself. Drama is primarily a glorified form of storytelling. However, drama doesn t always have to be the big, Hollywood type of production that many are familiar with. Starting small can be the best way to get things going. (Litherland 1988, 3)

Drama provides a unique opportunity to experience events in the life of another person. (Bolton 1972, 127) Particularly in life s earlier years, children have an advantage over adults. The imagination of a child is usually limitless, and allows for them to easily place themselves in the same situation as the person being presented through the drama. Drama is also a way for children to understand things like love, anger, and kindness, because children tend to learn these types of things through what they experience. Drama, of course, is something that everyone can experience together. (Bolton 1972, 127)

The verse that directly supports drama is nowhere to be found in the Bible. However, that verse really isn t needed. The whole of the Old Testament could be the scripts for many nighttime soap operas, sitcoms, and dramatic series. The Bible is clearly a very dramatic story. What better way to teach about this dramatic story than through drama. (Bolte 1987, 14)

Unlike storytelling, drama can better be suited to the age group it is being presented to. For most situations, there

Внимание, отключите Adblock

Вы посетили наш сайт со включенным блокировщиком рекламы!
Ссылка для скачивания станет доступной сразу после отключения Adblock!

Скачать