THEATRE PEDAGOGY IN THE KINDERGARTEN

Kurikulum za vrtce, ki je začrtal smernice koncepta in sistema predšolske vzgoje v slovenskih vrtcih, uvršča dramsko dejavnost na področje umetnosti, v katerem so zastopani tudi glasbena, likovna in plesna ter AV - dejavnosti. V odnosu do umetnosti se v vrtcih še vedno preveč poudarjajo narisati risbo, zapeti pesmico ali pripraviti predstavo. Področje umetnosti je v kurikulumu dobro zastopano, vendar sta v priročniku h kurikulu za vrtce izpuščeni gledališka in lutkovna dejavnost. V nekaterih vrtcih po Sloveniji se izvaja pedagoški koncept Reggio Emilia, ki med drugim poudarja otrokovo izražanje v »sto jezikih«. Gledališka igra z vrsto nebesednih izraznih sredstev nedvomno sodi v ta koncept. Vzgojitelj namreč spodbuja kreativnost, samostojnost in raziskovanje otrok po vzoru simbolne igre, hkrati pa med njim in otroki potekata kakovostna interakcija in komunikacija. Koncept Reggio Emilia je, po mojem mnenju, prava smer pri bogatitvi vsebin vzgojno-izobraževalnega programa slovenskih vrtcev. Z diplomsko nalogo želim predstaviti, kako lahko simbolna gledališka igra otroka in uporaba lutk v vrtcu vplivata na otrokov celostni razvoj ter zastopanost simbolne gledališke igre in lutk v vzgojno-izobraževalnem procesu vrtca.New findings in psychology and understanding of child game have proven the importance of symbolic theatre and puppet play as well as the use of puppets for the holistic child development. Therefore, they must represent an integral part of daily educational process. The curriculum for kindergartens, where guidelines of the concept and system of preschool education in Slovene kindergartens are defined, classifies drama activity in the field of art, together with music, fine art, dance and AV activity. The focus in the kindergartens is still on the products of art, such as drawing, singing songs, performing in a play. The field of art is well included in the curriculum, but unfortunately, the guide for the curriculum does not involve theatre and puppet activities. Certain Slovene kindergartens follow the Reggio Emilia pedagogic concept which puts the emphasis on child expression in “a hundred languages”. A theatre play that involves a series of nonverbal expression means is undoubtedly an important part of such a concept. Child creativity, independence and researching following the symbolic play are encouraged by the educator. And at the same time the communication and interaction between them is of high quality. In my opinion, the Reggio Emilia concept is the right direction towards the richness of educational programme in Slovene kindergartens. In my diploma thesis I would like to present the effect of a symbolic theatre play and the use of puppets in the kindergarten on the holistic child development and the amount of symbolic theatre play and puppets in the educational process of a kindergarten