Now, I am not talking about having your own personal theatre and raised wooden stage here. I do not think that is feasible for every family—BUT, I do think that even shy children are naturally drawn to the mysterious promises that a stage offers and having a place for some imaginative and dramatic play can be not only a good thing, but also a downright necessity.
When my children were much smaller, we lived in a house with “sunken” family room. The family room had been added to the back of the house and it had a large carpeted step that led into the room. The step was about 6 feet one way and 3 or 4 feet the other way. There were French doors leading into the room which provided a perfect barrier between the “stage” and the “backstage” area. I cannot recall how many concerts and performances my young preschool and elementary-aged children had on that stage, but I do know that they still have fond memories of that perfect performance platform.
I have seen kids use a porch, deck, old mattress, truck bed, and all sorts of other creative locations for a stage. Any area that can be raised up and set apart and is reasonably safe seems to do the trick. Having a place to perform encourages the sort of dramatic and imaginative play, as well as teamwork and collaboration that are inherent to the process of “putting on a show.” Even (or especially) children who are more reserved, introverted and shy in the “outside world” can get into being imaginative and performing in the safety and comfort of a living room or backyard.
I think that deep inside of each of us is a secret little performer. Some of us develop into natural and “out there” performers, while others never really nurture that part of ourselves. Childhood is the absolute perfect time to let that creative, imaginative, dramatic part of us come out to play now and again. All a child needs is a stage, and you’ll be amazed at what evolves!
See Also: Engage in Pretend Play
Letting Your Kids Control Their Free Time