1.3. Why use doodling, music, and drama?

Picture this: You don’t need to be the next Da Vinci to doodle, a rock star to use music, or a professional actor to incorporate drama. These three art forms are simple, flexible, and powerful tools that make SEL accessible. They don’t just add a splash of creativity but they transform learning into a full-bodied, multisensory experience.

Ever caught yourself sketching random shapes during a meeting? That’s doodling! It’s an ancient art, older than writing . Doodling doesn’t demand skill. It just needs a curious mind. It boosts comprehension, creativity, and focus. So next time you’re scribbling in the margins, remember that you’re practicing a skill as old as humanity!

Music sets the mood. It can turn a dull lesson into a dynamic experience. Whether it’s using rhythm to teach maths patterns or melodies to explore emotions, music taps into our primal instincts. It’s like adding a soundtrack to learning, making it immersive and memorable.

Dramatisation brings abstract concepts to life. It’s like hitting the ‘play’ button on ideas. Learners step into roles, explore perspectives, and express emotions, essentially turning theory into practice. From reenacting historical events to role-playing social situations, drama makes learning stick.

Arts naturally tap into emotions and self-expression, making them a perfect match for SEL. When learners doodle, sing, or act out a scenario, they’re not just being creative, but they’re building empathy, reflecting on their feelings, and learning to work as a team. Separating them would miss out on the synergy that makes SEL so impactful.

To know more, consult the video or summary by PBS LearningMedia on Social and Emotional Learning: The Arts for Every Classroom, CC BY NC ND.

To watch the video, click here .

The transcript of the video is made available on the webpage itself, just below the video.

The summary of the key points from the video are available in Annexure C1.1.3