As special education practitioners, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to support the social and emotional development of our students. The research article "Improving children’s social and emotional health by dramatising their stories" by Jonathan Barnes offers valuable insights into how drama-based interventions, such as the Speech Bubbles (SB) program, can significantly benefit children with speech, language, and communication (SLC) difficulties.
SB is a 30-week drama-based program designed to address barriers in SLC among 6- and 7-year-olds. The program involves groups of ten children who tell and act out one story each week, guided by trained theatre practitioners and teaching assistants. The results have been compelling, with schools reporting measurable improvements in children's speech, language, communication, and behavior.
The program's effectiveness is highlighted by the positive experiences of children who participated in SB four years ago. These children, now 11 years old, recalled their involvement with enthusiasm and described significant improvements in confidence, listening, and social interaction. Here are some key takeaways from their testimonials:
- Increased Confidence: Children reported feeling more confident in class and more willing to participate in discussions and activities.
- Enhanced Listening Skills: Participants learned the value of listening to others, which in turn improved their ability to communicate effectively.
- Improved Social Relationships: The program helped children build better relationships with their peers by promoting values such as kindness, turn-taking, and good listening.
- Boosted Imagination and Creativity: The drama activities stimulated children's imagination, which they found beneficial for other areas of learning, such as writing.
For special education practitioners looking to implement similar interventions, here are some actionable steps based on the SB program:
- Incorporate Drama-Based Activities: Introduce storytelling and acting exercises that encourage children to express themselves creatively.
- Promote Core Values: Emphasize the importance of kindness, turn-taking, and good listening in all activities.
- Create a Safe Environment: Ensure that children feel secure and supported, allowing them to take risks and explore their abilities.
- Encourage Participation: Give every child a chance to lead and contribute, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement.
By adopting these strategies, practitioners can create a nurturing environment that supports the social and emotional development of children with SLC difficulties. The positive outcomes observed in the SB program underscore the potential of drama-based interventions to transform children's lives.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Improving children’s social and emotional health by dramatising their stories.
