Know thyself: Approaching teenagers through drama games (1 week in Athens)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dates

2027: Upon Request

2028: Upon Request

Intro

Are you ready to discover how drama can support adolescent development?

“Know Thyself” explores the dynamic intersection of drama and adolescent development, equipping educators and youth leaders with powerful tools to connect with and inspire teenagers.

This course includes a variety of activities, such as drama games, self-discovery exercises, and social and emotional learning activities, to help you develop self-awareness and confidence. No prior acting or theatre experience is required. Explore simple, engaging drama techniques that can support communication, interaction, and engagement in different settings.

Who is this for?

This course is tailored for education, cultural and youth professionals of all disciplines – including teachers, leaders, counselors, mentors, camp leaders, extracurricular activity coordinators, and more – who want to approach teenagers through drama.

No prior acting or theatrical expertise is required. Just curiosity and a willingness to explore creative drama techniques. Participants will benefit from an international learning experience while traveling with Erasmus+.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand adolescent development: Explore the unique challenges of teenagers, gaining deep insights into their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
• Leverage drama games: Learn a variety of drama games designed to significantly enhance teenagers’ self-expression, self-confidence, and creativity.
• Foster empathetic communication: Develop powerful strategies to cultivate empathy and effective communication, fostering trust and meaningful connections.
• Promote active self-discovery: Facilitate safe opportunities for teenagers to explore their identities, values, and aspirations through acting activities.
• Address social and emotional needs: Address the social and emotional needs of adolescents using drama as a means of self-regulation and expression.
• Enhance classroom engagement: Apply drama-based teaching techniques to successfully enhance student engagement, motivation, and active participation.

Modules

• Module 1: Understanding adolescents: Explore adolescent development, cognitive changes, and effective ways of interacting with and supporting teenagers.
• Module 2: The power of drama games. Receive an introduction to drama games, focusing on building a safe, creative environment for self-expression.
• Module 3: Empathy and communication. Foster empathy in the classroom through active listening, non-verbal communication, and connection strategies.
• Module 4: Self-discovery and critical thinking. Explore identity, values, and personal narratives while using drama games for creative problem-solving and decision-making.
• Module 5: Social and emotional learning. Build emotional intelligence and regulation, utilizing drama as a healthy emotional outlet for social challenges.
• Module 6: Enhancing classroom engagement. Gain confidence in drama-based lesson planning, incorporating games into the curriculum, and measuring student engagement.

Course Outcomes

• Develop practical drama skills: Take away ideas and experiences that can be adapted to support communication, self-awareness, and engagement with teenagers.
• Enhance intercultural literacy: Gain the critical tools necessary to guide youth safely and effectively in cross-cultural dialogues and initiatives.
• Drive educational transformation: Build confidence in utilizing drama-based techniques, supporting a modern, emotionally intelligent culture within your institution.
• Empower youth/student voices: Shift young people from passive learners into self-aware individuals who can confidently articulate their identities.
• Promote positive school/organizational culture: Use drama and creative activities to encourage self-expression, collaboration, and positive interaction among young people.
• Exchange best practices: Connect with an international network of educators and youth workers, sharing strategies and building long-lasting cross-border partnerships.

Equipment

No special equipment is required. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for movement and drama activities.

See all available Erasmus+ courses we offer.

Destination:

Athens. The city with the most glorious history in the world, a city worshipped by gods and people, a magical city. The enchanting capital of Greece has always been a birthplace for civilization. It is the city where democracy was born and most of the wise men of ancient times. The most important civilization of ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through some of the world’s most formidable edifices.

Who hasn’t heard of the Acropolis of Athens? Photos and history of the most famous archaeological monument in Europe is admired by thousands of people. Acropolis is nominated to be one of the 7 wonders of modern world. In fact the trademark of Athens is one of the favorites. The Holy Rock of Acropolis dates back to the 5th BC, the famous Golden Age of Periklis. Athens met times of bloom and decline, but still shines under the Attic sky gazing the future. Still sparkling like the marbles of Parthenon and the limpid white of Pentelic marble.