‘Imagining what it is like to be someone other than yourself is at the core of our humanity. It is the essence of compassion, and it is the beginning of morality’  Ian McEwan (writer)

What we do.

Acting up, Writing Down deliver workshops and training, which use drama techniques to enthuse and inspire children to write. By using these techniques and through the use of light and music, we have shown that children, who are immersed in experiences, are more able to write about them; particularly boys and children with special needs. We use large writing group planners and post-its to record feelings and observations.
We show teachers how the techniques are used with children and how to look for opportunities to use these techniques in their planning.

Why we do it?

We believe passionately, and have shown, that a school culture using these techniques raises standards of writing and aid memory. Children enjoy and effortlessly learn facts and are more motivated to write about them.

Our work provides rich opportunities for:

.....Why should schools do it?

• Essex and Medway research Project: ‘Positive changes have been noted in the attitudes, motivation, achievement and attainment of boys who had been described as underachieving in writing.’
• Ofsted: “School leadership that is committed to promoting creativity is vital.” 
• Arts Council, ‘Drama in Schools’: “ there is real concern that initial teacher training of primary teachers and in-service provision in the teaching of drama at the primary level is frequently very limited. This is an issue that must be addressed so that all primary aged children are given access to the excellent learning opportunities that can be provided through drama."

• Speaking and Listening
• Working collaboratively
• Empathising with characters and others’ situations
• Using their bodies for representation
• Using ICT
• Effortlessly learning facts
• Writing creatively