Professional paper
Fairytales to reality Storytelling workshop
Elvira Koić
; Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The background: This paper presents the application of drama techniques – reading fairy tales in
small creative socialisation groups as a potentially complex of methods and techniques in preventing
behavioural and functioning disorders in children and young people exposed to highintensity risk
factors during their growth, development, maturation and socialisation. The aims of study: The
possibility of applying dramatic expression in working with children and young people with special
needs because of their psychophysical or educational difficulties. The methods used: In this paper,
the experiences of applying drama techniques acquired in the twoyear work as part of the program
"FAIRY TALES THERAPY" with a population of children and young people with special needs.
Summarize the results The results of a permanent evaluation of the work of small creative
socialisation groups, obtained through quantitative analysis, by using evaluation scales and
qualitative analysis, and through diaries recording the work of these groups, show that the elements
of educational theatre as additional techniques can fit particularly well into the existing system of
prevention. The conclusions: The experiences of the leaders of these groups also show the powerful
effect that dramatic expression has had on numerous elements, like changing the perception,
attitudes and behaviour of children with special needs who are exposed to additional high risks.
Working with fairy tales offers the possibility to view imagination, not only as a defence mechanism,
flight from reality, or a distortion of reality, but also as an expression of creativity and health, arising
from hope, and offering a more positive perspective. Is an effective way to bypass the critical, logical,
conscious factor and access the original unconscious emotional parts, we can better facilitate
personality integration at a feeling level of mind.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
297717
URI
Publication date:
7.10.2008.
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