Federico García Lorca said that “theater is poetry that leaves the book to become human.” We have not found more beautiful words to introduce what we propose on this occasion: scripts for children’s plays that provide teachings and values to children. They are ideal stories to represent with children and make them reflect on different concepts such as generosity or respect for others. Below you will find a very useful educational resource both for teachers who want to organize plays with their students and for parents who are looking for a fun activity.
Index
- Reasons for organizing a children’s performance
- Scripts for plays with values
- More plays to perform with children
- Ideas to represent these plays
Reasons for organizing a children’s performance
Before diving into the scripts of these plays, we have to talk about the benefits of practicing theater for children . When you read all these arguments, you will want even more to organize a casting and start performing these works.
- Supports children with social problems
Theater is a group activity that allows children to spend fun time with other little ones who have the same interests. This helps them make friends and live with them. - Improves communication skills
As it could not be otherwise, the theater makes children improve their communication skills. In addition, they can learn vocabulary that they can incorporate into their day to day. We cannot forget, on the other hand, that they improve oral expression, but also body expression. - Makes children practice memory
By having to learn the script by heart, children work on retention and memory . These are skills that will be useful to you in your daily life and at school. - Help children overcome shame
Teachers proposing to do a play is a nightmare for shy students. Getting on stage causes a lot of vertigo for some. However, a school or family performance is a perfect excuse for the little ones to expose themselves to that fear and overcome the shame. - Encourage a love of theater, reading and writing
When children try this fun activity, they realize that books can be great friends. For this reason, the theater encourages the love of reading, but also of writing. Maybe they dare to write their own play! - Boosts self-esteem
Public applause is vitamins for self-esteem. And there is nothing like cheering to put insecurities aside and feel more valued and recognized. This, undoubtedly, is a very positive reinforcement of the self-esteem of the children who, despite not being professional actors, will surely receive a warm ovation from the audience that sees them. - Promotes empathy
When a child participates in a theatrical performance he puts himself in the shoes of one of the characters. Therefore, it is a fabulous exercise to build empathy with children. In addition, the theater invites them to express and externalize their emotions and feelings. - Stimulates creativity
In plays, especially when we propose to children to improvise based on characters, there is a lot of space for children’s imagination and creativity.
Scripts for plays with values
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, plays can convey very important teachings and values to children. As with stories, the theater proposes situations that help children to reflect and understand some complicated concepts, such as values.
The scripts of the plays that we propose below talk about different values that we must transmit from childhood.
– ‘The cunning mouse’, play about generosity
With this play we propose you to work on the value of generosity with children. It is a script starring some jungle animals who learn an important lesson: sharing and helping others is essential, since it is of little use to have many things if we do not enjoy them with those we love the most.
– ‘The presumed little rat’, representation about humility
This is a popular tale whose story tells of a little rat who has different suitors. He treats all of them with disdain and very little humility and it is not until a good friend makes him open his eyes that they begin to understand that his behavior has not been adequate.
– ‘The mystery of the pumpkins’, play about teamwork
When we all work together, we are stronger; that’s what this play teaches children. It talks about a group of children who participate in a pumpkin decoration contest and thanks to their collaboration with each other they manage to overcome the traps of the rest of the contestants. In addition to transmitting values, this script is great to represent in the classroom, as it has many characters.
– ‘The Emperor’s New Suit’, a representation of the value of sincerity You
may already know the story of ‘The Emperor’s New Suit’ by Hans Christian Andersen, but have you ever considered representing it? This script talks about the importance of always telling the truth, since lies can lead to very uncomfortable situations that harm others.
– ‘A day at school’, a children’s play about respect
Teaching children to respect the people around them is very important and with this play you will be able to convey to the little ones the meaning and importance of this value. Five characters are included in this script, but the number can be expanded or reduced as needed.
More plays to perform with children
The plays, in addition to values, can serve to celebrate very special moments or to practice certain skills with children. Here are other theatrical scripts with different intentions.
– ‘The sun rises’, script about emotions
Emotional education is a pending subject in many homes and schools, despite the consequences that this educational absence has for the present and the future of children. For this reason, we propose this play that helps to put a name and meaning to each of the basic emotions.
– ‘ Rogelio, el malhumorado ‘, theater about anger
There are children who are always in a bad mood … Anything that is said to them can make them explode and become vehemently angry. What can you do to realize that it is better to laugh than to be angry? The rabbit Roger and his friends make us think.
– ‘A blank story’, theater to celebrate Book Day
Books are so important in our lives that, in honor of them, a special play can be organized on their day. This script is perfect for April 23, since the book is the protagonist of this story.
– ‘Saula is special’, play to understand autism
If your child knows a child with autism or if you have a classmate with this disorder in class, this play is great to bring children closer to ASD. Give some keys to understand in a simple way what autism is.
– ‘The end-of-year party is coming’, work to say goodbye to the school year
Many schools organize festivals to celebrate how well the year has passed. A very nice way to put the finishing touch to the course is by acting out a play . This one talks about children who organize a talent show despite the fact that one of them is very embarrassed to perform in public.
– ‘Cupid’
On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love towards the bride and groom, but also towards siblings, parents, friends … And this play , starring a naughty Cupid, talks about friendship and other very important values .
– ‘ My brother is a monkey ‘
This is a play that is intended for two characters. In this way, this is the perfect script to represent at home, with mom / dad and the child or between two brothers. Also, talk about the relationship between the siblings.
Ideas to represent these plays
If you liked any (or more than one) of these scripts for plays to perform with children, you just have to get down to work to organize a performance. Depending on what your intentions are (whether a small family play or the central representation of a school festival) we give you some ideas and tips to keep in mind to represent these works.
– Adapt the script to your needs
All the scripts can be adapted in every way to meet all your needs and expectations. For example, you can remove characters (and distribute their lines of dialogue to others) or add them. Or, for example, if you don’t have too much space to use as a theater, you can narrow down the places where the play takes place.
– Look for originality
You yourself can be the actors who represent the characters, but you can also organize a puppet theater. You can even use stuffed animals or dolls that serve as puppets. Make the puppets with materials that you have at home: with ice cream sticks , cardboard and glue; with socks; with rags …
– Organize a private screening or call a large audience
Depending on your power of convocation, you can perform your play in front of your uncles or, on the contrary, in front of the parents of the entire course. You can even propose the performance as a fun activity in which an audience is not necessary. All options are valid
