Literature and theatre as support for a healthy and ill child

Abstract

This text aims to draw the attention to the possibilities of supporting the development process of children in preschool and early school age, through bibliotherapy and participation in theatre classes, based on a review of selected literature.

The author's intention was to point out the differences in the experience of literature or participation in the creation of theatre by a healthy child and a child with an illness. Common to all children is the relatively late separation of the real world from the world of fantasy, created and developed by children's imaginations.

It is also important to indicate the role of theatre, which is primarily to stimulate development, awakening cognitive passions, opening to new experiences of a young person, and additionally allows ill children to forget about everyday life, marked by suffering.