Speech And Drama Arts

Introduction to Speech and Drama

Wishing that your child would just speak up a bit more? Or that he or she would be more confident about themselves? We want to help your child to develop communication, language and social-emotional skills through highly interactive and engaging drama activities. We want to provide our students with active learning experiences to empower them to express ideas and thoughts without inhibition.

Our Vision

“To reach out to students in and beyond DAS, to transform them into confident communicators, as well as to empower them to be inquisitive and compassionate  individuals through social –emotional literacy.”

Our Objectives

Teaching Approach

No.Approach Description

1.

Language-based

The exposure to different texts increases our students’ appreciation for the English language.

2.

Direct & Explicit Recognizing that students with learning difficulties will require direct and explicit instructions. One-on-one support, additional guidance, and tailored strategies are provided to help them succeed.

3.

CognitiveDrama activities are cognitive in nature as they engage various mental processes and stimulate cognitive development. Examples include creative story writing, roleplay, improvisation, memorization of scripts, rehearsing, and performing.

4.

Diagnostic & Prescriptive Drama teachers regularly assess students’ abilities and adapt activities based on the class dynamics.

5.

Structure, Cumulative & Sequential, but FlexibleThe curriculum progresses from easy to complex concepts, with flexibility to support the integration of previously learned skills based on students’ abilities.

6.

Multi-sensory Multisensory learning is integral to the drama class. It engages students through the use of stage and hand props and the presentation of skills that combine multiple senses, such as visual and aural cues.

7.

Emotionally Sound Drama teachers are trained in the field of special learning needs, with a better understanding of students’ strengths and weaknesses.

Programme Types

The Speech and Drama Arts Programme is open to all students, with or without a formal diagnosis. We believe in helping every child in and beyond DAS, to transform them into confident communicators, as well as to empower them to be inquisitive and compassionate individuals through social –emotional literacy. The Speech and Drama Arts Programme is recommended to students who want to explore the learning of the English language through drama skills and aspire to be confident communicators who are great team players and able to think creatively.

Speech & Drama Arts Classes
Registrations Open

The programme consists of different modules catering to different age groups:

Creative Drama
(K2 to Lower Primary)

This programme aims to build a foundation in drama skills with the goal of developing expressions, language and social-emotional literacy.

Bishan Learning Centre

Saturdays, 10.30 am to 12 pm

Literacy Through Drama
(Primary 4 – 6)

This programme aims to foster a greater understanding of text and word consciousness through fun drama activities.

Bishan Learning Centre

Saturdays, 3 pm to 4.30 pm
Sundays, 1 pm to 2.30 pm

Educational Drama
(Secondary 1 – 2)

The programme will enhance students’ social-emotional competencies and critical thinking through the dramatisation of social issues.

Bishan Learning Centre

Saturdays, 1 pm to 2.30 pm

** Class subject to availability

To register, please call 6444 5700 or email [email protected]

Bursary is available for these classes, T&Cs apply. Click here for more info.

Speech and Drama Arts Trial Class – Open for Registration!

Registrations for 2024 Term 4 now open!
To register for the September classes, click here.

Trial Class Intake – Term 4
(OPEN)

Date: 14 September 2024, Saturday
Time: 10.30 am to 12.00 pm
Venue: 
Bishan Learning Centre

Level: K2 to P3
Fee: $41.80

Trial Class Intake – Term 4
(OPEN)

Date: 14 September 2024, Saturday
Time: 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm
Venue: Bishan Learning Centre

Level: Sec 1 to Sec 3
Fee: $41.80

SES SPEECH AND DRAMA ARTS PROGRAMME

The Speech and Drama Arts programme provides children with SpLDs a safe platform to learn to express themselves, experience teamwork and develop their confidence. Understanding the background and characteristics of these students has allowed us to develop a programme that would enhance their learning journey and discover their potential.

Our Approach:

The aim of the SES Speech and Drama Arts Programme is to develop literacy, communication and presentation skills and boost the self-esteem of learners with dyslexia. Drama can be a powerful tool to help students with learning differences to experience language learning in a fun way.

Drama Workshops for Schools:

At the das, we conduct SES Speech and Drama workshops for students both in primary and secondary schools. Our school workshops are customised to meet the demands of our clients, in order to achieve the school’s desired objectives and outcomes.

Our Instructors:

  • Trained educational therapists to support students with dyslexia.
  • Trained in teaching Speech and Drama classes
  • MOE registered instructors

Drama & Learning:

Most people do not associate drama with learning.
A deeper look uncovers its ability to enhance speaking, listening, comprehension and critical thinking skills. In the various articles in the link below, one can explore how learning drama can contribute positively to an individual academically and personally. Click on the link to read more about it!

Gallery

Check out our gallery page to catch our SES Speech and Drama Arts students in action!

Contact Us:

For general enquiries and to find out more about Speech & Drama Arts workshop in your school, please contact :

Anaberta Oehlers-Jaen
Email: [email protected]

Recommended for

The Speech and Drama Arts Programme is recommended to students who want to explore the learning of the English language through drama skills and aspire to be confident communicators who are great team players and able to think creatively.

The programme caters to different age groups

  • Creative Drama (K2 – Primary 3)
  • Literacy Through Drama Programme (Primary 4 – Primary 6)
  • Educational Drama (Secondary 1 – Secondary 2)

Entry Criteria

  • K2, all primary and lower secondary school students
  • No formal diagnosis of dyslexia is required
  • Open to non-DAS students

Meet the Speech and Drama Team

MUZDALIFAH HAMZAH
Lead Educational Therapist
Programme Manager
RETA Associate Fellow
Bishan Learning Centre

Programme Manager

Muzdalifah has been with the DAS since 2012. She provides intervention for learners with dyslexia and other specific learning differences in the Main Literacy and Speech & Drama Arts (SDA) programmes. Currently, she is the Programme Manager for the SDA programme. Apart from teaching literacy and drama classes, her responsibilities include overseeing and leading a team in developing curriculum and teaching resources, ensuring the quality of the programme and overseeing the aspects of SDA performances in DAS events or showcases. In addition, Muzdalifah also conducts drama workshops for students in MOE schools.

Muzdalifah has a strong interest in social-emotional development in children with learning difficulties. She had presented her work at conferences and hopes to inspire her students to believe in themselves as unique individuals who possess boundless capabilities.

Corrine Ang

Bishan Learning Centre

Amrit Kaur Gill

Bedok Learning Centre

Testimonials

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – TANIECIA
By Muzdalifah Hamzah

Taniecia has a bubbly personality and is currently the President of the Student Council in her school. She enjoys organising school activities and plays netball as a CCA. No one would have guessed that this 15-year-old girl once struggled in class and had a hard time accepting that she had dyslexia.

Read Taniecia’s story here!

Rizqah 01

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – HAZEL
By Corinne Ang

Hazel Low joined the Speech and Drama Arts (SDA) programme in October 2021. She was just nine then. Hazel has a great work ethic and exhibits a positive outlook in life. Big or small, she portrayed every role with the same enthusiasm and earnestness. Each production she undertook came with its own set of challenges she had to overcome.

Read Hazel’s story here!

Rizqah 01

TESTIMONIAL FOR MS MUZDALIFAH
By Mr Yong, Parent

“Dear Miss Muzdalifah ,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your dedication and hard work in teaching das CLASS Drama and Speech. Your commitment to ensuring that each and every student in the class receives a quality education is truly inspiring.”

Read the full testimonial here.

SDA gala 1

SDA PERFORMANCE AT SGAA 2022
By Amrit Kaur Gill

On 26 November 2022, SDA students from both Bishan and Bedok Learning Centre presented an original piece – Castaway, at the DAS Student Graduation & Achievement Awards Ceremony 2022. Castaway is a tale of four children who were stranded on an island after a sea storm.

View the article here!

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SDA PERFORMANCE AT DAS30 CHARITY GALA DINNER
By Corinne Ang

On 7 September 2022, eight students from the DAS Speech and Drama Arts programme graced the das 30th Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner with a drama & dance performance. This performance was the first live show done by the drama class since the circuit breaker in 2020.

View the article here!

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – RIZQAH
By Corinne Ang

Rizqah joined the Speech and Drama Arts (SDA) programme in September 2021, when she was seven years old. Despite enjoying drama activities, she was initially very shy. Rizqah has since grown in confidence after joining the programme.

Read Rizqah’s story here!

Rizqah 01

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – ZIQRY
By Muzdalifah Hamzah

Ziqry joined the DAS Speech & Drama Arts Programme when he was only 9 years old. As a drama student, Ziqry always gives his best in class and in performances. He looks forward to performances and enjoys the limelight whenever he’s on the stage.

Read Ziqry’s story here!

student spotlight ziqry 01

SDA VIRTUAL SHOWCASE 2021
By Amrit Kaur Gill

On 28 December 2021, 36 of our Speech and Drama Arts (SDA) students adorned the screens for the Virtual DAS Showcase. The SDA students from two DAS Learning Centres (Bedok and Bishan), aged between 6-15 years old presented various plays for their parents and for their teacher’s DAS.

View the article here!

SDA SHOWCASE 2021 crop

THE SHOW MUST GO ON
By Corinne Ang

What comes to mind when you think of a drama class? Chances are, it will be a group of children, in a classroom acting out a scene. As drama teachers, these images are etched in our minds. However, in the last term, our drama classes took a different form. Students entered class by literally popping up in little boxes lined up on computer screens. Suddenly, sound quality and internet connection became a concern and information was shared with a single click. Students and teachers alike had to relearn how to function in this new environment.

View the article here!

better tomorrow

3…2…1…ACTION!
By Amrit Kaur Gill

The Speech and Drama Arts (SDA) team recognises speech and drama as an effective means of developing our students’ talents and self-confidence, which in turn can lead to a more positive self-concept for our students. Despite being in a pandemic, it didn’t deter the Speech and Drama Arts team from putting up a performance.

View the article here!

gruffalo

ACTORS ASSEMBLE! WE ARE BACK IN CLASS!
By Corinne Ang

“It’s good to come back because I can see my friends’ real faces and not from the screen.”

Despite the new routines and challenges, students are happy to be reunited. Let’s hear what they had to say!

View the article here!

sda bishan5

NOAH YAP – ASPIRING ACTOR
AN INTERVIEW WITH NOAH YAP BY THE SPEECH AND DRAMA ARTS TEAM

Noah Yap, a 12-year-old cheerful and diligent student, has been in the Speech and Drama Arts (SDA) programme at Dyslexia Association of Singapore (das) for the past 2.5 years. After being in the programme for some time, Noah decided to continue his passion for Theatre Arts in Secondary School.

SDA sat down with Noah over some biscuits to gain an insight into his life as SDA student and the decisions he made. Let’s take a sneak peek into Noah’s life and learn how he has managed to achieve his goals.

View the article here!

SDA noah 2017

Media and Publications

Gallery

The Castaway – Student Graduation & Achievement Awards Ceremony 2022

 Performed by DAS Speech and Drama Arts students

King Midas & His Golden Touch

Performed by DAS Speech and Drama Arts students

Twisted Tales

Performed from home by DAS Speech and Drama Arts students

King of Wild Things

Performed by DAS Speech and Drama Arts students

The DOT

Performed by DAS Speech and Drama Arts students

The Gruffalo’s Child

Graduation Performance by DAS Speech and Drama Arts students

Media Coverage

Lebih 45 murid disleksia jayakan persembahan teater

读写障碍协会提供平台 学生演戏剧展才艺

30 December 2023 – Lianhe Zaobao (Online)

Dyslexia Association of Singapore provides platform for students to showcase their talent through drama performances

Lebih 45 murid disleksia jayakan persembahan teater

Lebih 45 murid disleksia jayakan persembahan teater ‘Shakespeare 400’, Berita Setempat – BeritaHarian.sg

SERAMAI 300 hadirin berpeluang menonton sebuah persembahan teater selama 105 minit di Teater Genexis di Fusionopolis kelmarin. Sekali imbas, persembahan yang diberi nama Shakespeare 400 itu kelihatan seperti persembahan teater biasa para pelajar. SERAMAI 300 hadirin berpeluang menonton sebuah persembahan teater selama 105 minit di Teater Genexis di Fusionopolis kelmarin.

Acting dream comes true for young Aiden

Like many young boys, 12-year-old Aiden Peh dreams of making it big as a professional actor. While the road to the red carpet may be rocky for any aspiring star, he faces an additional hurdle – dyslexia. Though learning lines may be a struggle, the Anglo Chinese School Junior pupil has shown that this will not keep him out of the spotlight.

குறையுள்ள பிள்ளைகளின் நிறைவான நாடகம்

Journey of the Legends, Ramayana

குறையுள்ள பிள்ளைகளின் நிறைவான நாடகம்

நீண்ட வாக்கியங்களைத் திக்கித் திணறாமல் அழகாகவும் தெளி வாகவும் கூறிய 11 வயது மகள் பிரியாவைக் கண்டு பூரித்துப் போனார் 51 வயது திரு சண்முக ரத்னம் தம்பையா. உச்சரிக்க முடியாத சொற்களை எல்லாம் சுலபமாக உச்சரிக்கப் பழகிக் கொண்ட மகளின் முன்னேற்றம் திரு சண்முகத்துக்குப் புதுத் தெம்பு அளித்துள்ளது. ‘டிஸ்லெக்சியா’ எனும் கற்றல் குறைபாட்டால் பாதிக்கப்பட்ட பிரியாவுக்கு ஆங்கில எழுத்து களை உச்சரிப்பதும் எழுத்துக் கூட்டி வாசிப்பதும் தொடக்கத் தில் ஒரு பெருஞ்சவாலாகவே இருந்து வந்தது.

Research

COMPREHENSION
By Amrit Kaur Gill

Drama Activities can add an element of fun to reading comprehension. With drama activities, it provides an opportunity for students to engage with text in an interactive manner. By doing this, it helps to develops students’ comprehension skills in a fun and non-pressurising manner. In this article, we explore three drama activities that you can try out with your child or student!

View the article here!

SDA 0303 web

DRAMA, A DIFFERENT WAY TO LEARN.
By Corinne Ang

Most people do not associate drama with learning. This subject has the reputation of being fun and loud, which might seem counter-productive to some. However, a deeper look uncovers its ability to enhance speaking, listening, comprehension and critical thinking skills. In this article, we explore how learning drama can contribute positively to an individual academically and personally.

View the article here!

SDA 0303 web

IMPROV TO IMPROVE
By Amrit Kaur Gill

Improvisation provides the opportunity for an individual to develop one’s self on various levels. With improv exercises and engaging activities, individuals will be taught to think and react on the spot. This will help the individual to learn how to cope with uncertainties. Find out how improv helps with learning!

View the article here!

smiling girl with crown her head peeking from red curtain small

MAKING THE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS WITH DRAMA
By Corinne Ang

Being able to manage one’s emotions and navigate social interactions are essential skills for all children. An argument can be made that children with dyslexia require these skills even more. Drama is an excellent tool to introduce and sustain social-emotional competencies. As an art form, it is greatly associated with human interaction.

View the article here!

SDAimage4

TWEENS AND TEENS – THE FRUSTRATION IS REAL!
By Muzdalifah Hamzah

Tweens and teens are at the stage where they are overly consumed by the changes in their bodies and the social world. What can parents do to help their tweens and teens?

View the article here!

teen

The Effectiveness of using Drama as a Tool to build Social-Emotional Development of Children with Dyslexia in Singapore
By Muzdalifah Hamzah

This study explores the efficacy of a speech and drama programme in developing social-emotional literacy of children with dyslexia.

View on YouTube here!

Dyslexia and Drama in Education
By Pushpaa Arumugam and Muzdalifah Hamzah

This recording is a presentation from UNITE SpLD conference in 2016.

View on YouTube here!

HELP! I AM TEACHING DRAMA ONLINE!
By Muzdalifah Hamzah

Being a drama instructor in Speech & Drama Arts (SDA) programme, it didn’t occur to me that one day I will teach drama online. A typical drama class would involve a lot of movement activities, role-playing with friends, voice exercises and rehearsals after rehearsals in a big space. “How to teach drama online?” And a lot more questions ran in my head.

View the article here!

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HOW CAN SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASS HELP MY CHILD?
By DAS Speech & Drama Arts Team

Contrary to popular parents’ perception, a speech and drama class is more than just role-playing and acting. It nurtures imagination and creativity in a way that it cannot be learned but through experience. Speech and drama classes like the one offered in das can be that powerful tool to help children, especially those with learning differences. Let us explore some of the ways a speech & drama class can help your child.

View the article here!

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Frequently Asked Questions

The main aim of the SDA Programme is to provide an outlet for students to express themselves, ideas and thoughts without inhibition. The Speech and Drama Arts Programme focuses on developing acting skills, language skills and social-emotional skills through highly interactive and engaging drama activities.

These are the components covered in our SDA Programme:

  1. Introduction to Drama – What is Drama (story, scenes, settings, characters, dialogues)
  2. Tableaux (Freeze frames)
  3. Mime
  4. Emotions
  5. Voice Expression
  6. Physical Expression
  7. Critical Thinking
  8. Language development through the exposure of different text types

The SDA Programme is designed such that students participate in both guided and self-directed activities that engages them kinaesthetically and cognitively. The activities facilitated during lessons encourage affective aspects of reading and literacy while offering multiple opportunities for meaningful communication, social interaction, discussion and feedback. The teachers also have the ability to understand the needs of a child with dyslexia as they are trained Educational Therapists.

Each SDA class has a maximum of 10 students and a minimum of 6 students. The big class size allows students to work together in a team for presentations.

No, we do not offer one-to-one remediation.

Please refer to all our Programme Fees here

Lessons are charged on a termly basis (10 lessons), inclusive of GST. Bursary is available, including for a second Specialised Educational Services (SES) programme.

For example:
Child A is enrolled in both the Main Literacy Programme and Maths Programme and is receiving a bursary. Child A is entitled to receive a second SES bursary if he/she enrols in the Speech and Drama Arts Programme. 

Each SDA class is 1.5 hours long, once a week. Our classes are only conducted on Saturdays at selected das Learning Centres.

Currently, the SDA programme is available at Bishan Learning Centre.

Parents may submit an application through the das website here. Once the application has been processed, the Programme Manager or SDA Teacher will contact the parent to discuss and find a suitable class for the child.

We use the Orton-Gillingham Approach.

  1. Language-based – Exposure to different texts to enhance students’ appreciation of the English language through Drama.
  2. Cognitive-  the activities are crafted to engage their cognition e.g. creative story writing, roleplay, improvisation, memorising scripts, rehearsing and performing with movements and cues 
  3. Structured, Sequential and Cumulative – includes direct and explicit instruction and has a different range of difficulty level for all activities 
  4. Simultaneous multi-sensory – engage through stage and hand props, presentation of skills through multiple senses, eg. Using visual and aural cues
  5. Diagnostic-prescriptive – Drama Instructors regularly assess students’ abilities and adapt activities according to the class dynamics.
  6. Emotionally sound – Drama Instructors are trained in the special needs field who have a better understanding of our students’ needs and strengths.

The SDA Programme is open to both non-DAS students and DAS students. No formal diagnosis of dyslexia is required.

Call 6444 5700 for more information.