• Korean Journal of Child Studies
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.123-148
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore children's experiences in a series of creative drama activities based around the use of picture books. The subjects were a total of 17 children 4 years of age. The research, implemented over the courses of 10 weeks, was integrated into their daily education curriculum. The children's drama activities were collected by participant observation, field notes, audio and videotape transcriptions, documentation of the young children's drama activities (eg. pantomimes, role plays & improvised expression, improvisations). The analysis reveals the following findings : 1) even shy and passive young children tried to participate in pantomime activities after reading books. 2) In role play & improvised expression activities, young children were immersed in the improvised situation and spontaneously expressed their emotions and thoughts as actors without the use of any scripts, in an impromptu manner. 3) In improvisation, young children collaborated with other children to create the improvisation by extending or transforming the content of the picture books through their own ideas.