Empowering elementary teachers to explore critical literacy through drama-based instruction

This research project comes in the form of a professional development project combining the theories of critical literacy for elementary students and drama as a form of arts integration in literacy instruction. The project consists of six workshop sessions intended for willing elementary school teachers looking to expand their thinking around literacy instruction. Participants experience introductions to drama as an instructional approach by learning three specific strategies, including tableau, character interviews, and writing-in-role. They also learn about the basic elements of critical literacy by engaging in self-exploration and reflection, along with participating in research-based learning exercises intended to extend individuals\u27 thinking about what critical literacy means for educators. The project concludes with teachers creating lesson plans based on their professional learning, and opportunities to share these implementation experiences and form action plans for their next steps following the workshops