Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Scott Cole

Second Advisor

Tracy Hough

Third Advisor

Jenny Martin

Degree Award Date

2024

Keywords

Elementary Education, Theatre, Performance, Family Friendly

Disciplines

Elementary Education | Theatre and Performance Studies

Abstract

In recent years theater has become a new way to help students with social emotional learning (SEL). Many educational blogs, articles, and studies are discussing the importance of both watching theater and taking part in theater within schools to encourage SEL in elementary learners. The importance of theater exposure at a young age is necessary because while watching shows builds SEL, being involved in drama increases that learning opportunity. SEL is separated into five categories: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision making. Involvement in theater builds self-awareness through empathy as students have to put themselves into the shoes of another person or character and see the world through their eyes. There are many other ways being involved in theater can help SEL. Theater can be used to teach students empathy as they see themselves in characters while watching a show or a movie. The theater is also an inclusive space for all students to see themselves represented on the stage as often casts are of diverse races and genders. The project will entail the casting, directing, and performance of the show Cinderella, Cinderella by Steve and Kathy Hotchner. The show will be taken to an elementary school and performed for grades K-5. Each grade will watch the performance and I will facilitate a post-show discussion between the students and the characters. The discussion will focus around the social and emotional learning standards for each grade. The standards are being taken from the VDOE Social Emotional Learning standards. The discussion will be tailored to the specific standards and focus for each grade level. For kindergarten the discussion will focus on what Cinderella and the other characters felt throughout key moments in the show. The discussion will also include discussing if Cinderella’s situation is unfair and what makes it unfair. The first and second grade groups’ discussion will center around the feelings Cinderella and the other characters felt in different parts of the play and give ideas of alternative solutions to the situation Cinderella was in. The third-grade groups’ discussion will center around Cinderella’s perseverance and determination to help her marry the prince and talk about the empathy they felt towards Cinderella and the other characters throughout the show.

Recommended Citation

McDaniel, Erin. "Cinderella, Cinderella". Senior Honors Project, Bridgewater College, 2024.

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