Using drama to teach personal, social and emotional skills - Jacqui O'Hanlon

Originally developed for deaf children, this innovative and successful drama programme addressing personal, social and emotional needs can benefit all children in primary schools. The interactive and lively ideas cover a variety of themes from empathy to assertiveness.

Each of the 6 modules in the book provides 3-5 session plans which include games, drama exercises and discussion that build up the children's exploration of each theme. Copiable resources are included, and a 'How to Use' section has practical suggestions on how the material may be used and adapted for different children and varying situations. An evaluation sheet is also provided which can be used to track the progress of individual children. A final appendix contains a compendium of games which can be interchanged to suit the needs of the children.

Bringing together the expertise of a drama teacher and the skills of a teacher of the deaf, the book is a very practical resource providing everything a busy teacher needs to engage all young people as participants in a PSHE curriculum.

Angie Wootten has been a teacher of deaf children for over twenty years. She is also a regional tutor and a placement supervisor for the course leading to the qualification as a teacher of the deaf at Birmingham University. In 1999, as a research fellow with the same university, she researched and co-wrote the RNID publication A Review of Good Practice in Deaf Education. In 2002 she completed an MPhil relating to oral communication and deaf adults.

Angie has worked with deaf children of all ages, from babies to college students. She is currently working as an outreach teacher in Warwickshire.

Jacqui is an actress and Deputy Director of Education for the Royal Shakespeare Company.