Drama in Early Childhood Education (EIS155)

Drama is a subject in art, expression and communication, based on the art of theatre, pedagogy and knowledge in children's dramatic play. Early Childhood Education in Norway has a strong tradition in using drama as part of the curriculum.

This course in drama aims to prepare the students for planning and carrying out dramatic activity in kindergarten/preschool/first grade of primary school (aged 1- 8 years). A main purpose in this course is student’s participation in creative aesthetic processes. Through active participation the students will achieve practical knowledge about dramaturgy, and develop further their ability in communication, interaction and acting.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

EIS155

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

6

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

  • Dramatic expression, improvisation. Through using body and voice the student is challenged in using fantasy and creativity.
  • Process-drama; special focus on the multicultural kindergarten/preschool.
  • The art of storytelling and adapt for follow-up activities using drama.
  • Theoretical reflection upon the connection between dramatic play, drama and the art of theatre.

Learning outcome

This module facilitates for the student to acquire following skills and knowledge:

Knowledge

  • Knowledge and understanding of an aesthetic learning process and potential in dramatic play.

Skills

  • Acquired skills in adapting for and carry out storytelling and follow up activities to a target group.

General competence

  • General competence related to an understanding of drama as an aesthetic subject and how to plan for aesthetic experiences through drama for all children in kindergarten/preschool/primary school.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Practical exam and oral exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Practical exam 1/2 Letter grades
Oral exam 1/2 Letter grades

Examination consists of two assignments.
• Practical exam, 50 % of final assessment. Storytelling performance: The students are working on one story each, and will, as part of a group, present this story to a child audience.
• An individual oral exam, 50 % of final assessment. Personal reflections on storytelling and dramapedagogical work towards children.

Each assignment is assessed on a scale from A-F, where A-E denotes pass and F denotes fail.

Coursework requirements

All classes are mandatory

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Ine Larsen Måneby

Study Adviser:

Madli Dagestad

Method of work

The teaching will be held as lectures, demonstrations, play, seminars, tutoring and practical workshops. Dramatic competence can only be developed in interaction with others, it is therefore expected that students get actively involved in all teaching activities.

Open for

Exchange Students at Faculty of Arts and Education

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

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