Bringing Imagination Making to Study Skills Improves Information Retention

Hynes Lakeview, 6th Grade | Study Skills & Creative Dramatic Techniques
Mr. Fields & Mrs. Murphy

“Educational researchers have identified six key skills needed for success in today's workplace and world--collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence.¹ Play and other joyful learning strategies help develop these 21st century skills. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, play also supports development across developmental domains.² Through play, students practice oral language skills, test their physical abilities, develop cognitive understanding, and interact with their peers. Fun activities build community and support information retention.“ This semester, I worked with a study skills class that had teachers who were committed and excited about their KID smART Collaborative Artist Residency. We used a combination of creative dramatic exercises and social emotional learning techniques in each co teaching session. Throughout our Fall semester we observed multiple occasions where students were able to demonstrate their understanding of both science and social studies curriculum through exploration of creative arts techniques. Because both teachers created succinct objectives with clear ideas on how to achieve them for each session we were able to give students opportunities to explore autonomy in dramatic play. By the end of the semester Mr. Fields shared that he knows the KID smART model works because after our co taught sessions he saw an improvement in grades for the segments of history we created tableaus and short scenes for. He also replied that they totally aced vocabulary after the “Passwords” activity. Students also demonstrated their retention of arts integrated vocabulary that was infused throughout the semester. “Joyful classrooms lead students to develop a deeper understanding of the learning material. Research shows that learners are more likely to remember what they enjoy, meaning play creates lasting understanding.³ Children do better in school when they enjoy learning, making play an important aspect of any classroom.” Through intentional co planning, guided play, circular assessment, and opportunities to try again, teachers can skillfully connect playful activities to specific learning content, making learning spaces creative spaces.

References

1.Hirsh-Pasek, K., Golinkoff, R. M., Nesbitt, K., Lautenbach, C., Blinkoff, E., & Fifer, G. (2022). Making schools work: Bringing the science of learning to joyful classroom practice. New York: Teachers College Press.
2.National Association for the Education of the Young Child. (2020). Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) position statement. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/dap/contents.
3.Savina, E. (2014). Does play promote self-regulation in children? Early Child Development and Care, 184(11).