Libellule Theatre has developed a series of drama workshops, specifically for the Foundation Stage age group, which use the power of a well told story to draw the children into a world in which they are encouraged to actively participate in the action as it unfolds.

Using story telling techniques, games and imaginary play these highly interactive workshops transport the children into fantastic worlds where they can swim under the sea, explore beautiful gardens and search for lost treasure. Live performance arts are introduced to the children through performance and puppetry within the realms of a safe story environment as the children meet and interact with a variety of characters from concerned crabs to grumpy giants and eccentric explorers. The most important tool required is their imaginations!

The sessions are also suitable for KS1 children who need to develop their language and improve their speaking and listening skills. They have proved a particularly useful experience for EAL pupils as much of the story involves physical action and visual stimulus through performance/puppets which reinforces the language being used. The stories all involve imaginary play and where children feel comfortable, a vocal interaction and involvement. This aspect of the sessions is never forced and the story journeys on regardless of the level of interaction.

Each session lasts between 25 and 35 minutes. The variation in length is dictated by the children’s involvement and interaction with the story and the amount of information and ideas they wish to contribute.

These interactive story telling workshops have been developed to create an intimate experience in which every child is given the opportunity to offer their input and feel part of a group intrinsically involved in the story. For this reason the sessions work best with smaller groups of between 8 and 12 children.

The workshops have been developed to meet many Early Learning Goals and to cover popular topics within the Foundation Stage curriculum.