UC Irvine

Although there is widespread recognition that arts experiences enhance children’s socialemotional development, the mechanisms through which this process takes place are little understood. This article provides insight into the role of the arts in development, through a review of recent research on child development and interviews with inner-city elementary teachers who have participated in an artist-in-residence program. The author presents evidence that arts experiences—and drama activities in particular—help children to develop an enhanced understanding of the responses, emotional expressions, and actions of other people, as well as a comprehension of what to expect from others and what social scripts should be used in different situations.