Viewing entries tagged
Special Learning Needs
Plymouth Police force has invited Light Bulb Fantastic to exhibit our "Stop Bullying" shadow puppets at their Blue Light Day this June. The event is to highlight support for people with learning disabilities and includes fun attractions like access to emergency vehicles, police dog displays and the chance to play with our shadow puppets.
Most of the exhibits will be outside, so look for signs to our stage as we will be indoors.
We have been delivering a series of festive workshops for the lovely Animate Theatre, in Plymouth, who provide drama experiences for people with a variety of disabilities.
Over 5 sessions participants: experimented with puppetry skills like how to express emotions, wrote original Christmas themed scripts, played with lighting effects and music, made their own wonderful puppets, props and scenery.
At the 6th session the air was buzzing, everyone had a part to play, as the Animate Theatre Company performed their four festive stories, to a delighted audience of friends and families.
Participants' and carers' feedback:
"Identified the SU's needs and delivered well"
"A workshop that provides socialising, cognitive, manual skills etc with an outstanding finale in the show"
"We smiled from start to finish"
"Makes me feel better with meeting all people"
This trial confirmed that LBF's "Stop Bullying" workshop is ready to launch. In the morning of 6th July, 30 students, discussed, wrote, rehearsed and performed for each other a rich variety of scenes about bullying, its causes and solutions. The year 6 students, ( 10 years old ) produced such insights as the bully whose father is a drunk and the wheelchair used accused of being a bully when she tries to defend herself from taunts.
Student quotes included:
"You get to really explain the emotion. I enjoyed performing because if it has happened to you, you can express it without telling someone"
"I enjoyed performing most because it makes people understand more what I have been through"
"I enjoyed watching, to see what other people think about bullying"
The class teacher, Sam, said "Fantastic session that has led to all the children feeling more comfortable talking about bullying"
On 15th June our second trial was at the "Your Way" Studio for adults with special educational needs. We only had half a day, so this time participants chose their puppets from a selection that Light Bulb Fantastic provided. Following a discussion, small groups devised their own scenes, adding their personal insights, feelings and even humour. The students having a free rein allowed their teachers and me to observe and challenge any misconceptions, for example clarifying the difference between an argument and bullying.
Every student was included, differentiated support being provided as needed, for example using narration to prompt action during performances on the screen.
Sarah, Your Way support worker, said "Nice to act it out, instead of sitting listening to someone just talk about it"
Alison, Your Way project coordinator, said she learnt "People who become bullies are victims themselves and have their own issues"
Bullying is a huge problem for many people with learning difficulties, so on 19th May, Light Bulb Fantastic's first trial of our anti-bullying workshop was at Oakwood College for special needs. I was impressed at how openly the students shared their difficult experiences, of being a bully as well as being bullied. During the day the teenagers made their own puppets, wrote, rehearsed and performed powerful scenes illustrating different aspects of bullying, its causes and solutions.
Jenny, their teacher, said it was "Informative, fun, entertaining and interesting, especially watching the students using their skills and becoming more confident throughout the day"
