ities like personality and "with-it-ness" are thought to be inherent or genetic. Some believe people are born "good talkers" or have just the right temperament to be "good listeners." Not necessarily. Although, human beings do have special innate qualities -- they might be gifted musicians, athletes, performers, -- more often than not, people can learn to communicate openly and honestly. Everyone has something to say. And sometimes, a polite push works wonders.
             All types of children can be reached and can be taught good communication skills. Fun, well-organized oral communication activities, especially those embedded in creative play, provide just the stimulus and release needed to motivate real participation. Each child can come together in activities and share in each other's strengths and virtues. Learning to talk aloud -- before a group, before one's peers, in an open and relaxed setting -- can be the achievable goal of all students, even the most reluctant. And creative dramatics can make this happen.
             In creative play or improvisational acting, all students can participate. All students can be successful and adventurous. They can learn to feel comfortable with their peers, to control their anxieties, to sharpen their focus, to express their visions, to delight in their voices, and to explore themselves. By sharing aloud, they can enrich their lives.
             Creative dramatics spells communal experience. It means that students must leave their seats, get together with other students, and discuss ideas, share thoughts, and display emotions, all in the arena of taking an idea and improvising a moment. As in writing, participants in creative dramatics must extend their knowledge base by using their own intuitive understandings.
             It is ironic that although most teachers consider drama to be within their domain, the fact is that drama can be used more often as a teaching method in other disciplines. Dramatic techniques such as ...