Supporting children to develop Speaking, Listening and Attention skills

Watch our new Speech Bubbles video here

Latest evidence gathered by the Communication Trust suggests that as many as 50% of children in areas of socio-economic disadvantage have speech and language skills that are significantly lower than those of other children of the same age.

Working in partnership with the Southwark Pupil Development Centres we have created a programme of drama interventions that support children in Key Stage 1 to develop their Speaking, Listening and Attention skills in a fun and nurturing environment.

In Speech Bubbles sessions drama practitioners and PDC coordinators create a safe and playful space for children to develop their communication skills. The story drama approach places the child at the centre of the activity, and they become at different times, author, performer and audience.

"...one of the biggest advantages for me was the fact that the children had equal ownership over the stories...you could tell it had a really positive impact on them..."
Inclusion Manager

This year Speech Bubbles sessions are happening in 11 Southwark Schools:
Boutcher, Bessemer Grange, Grange, Oliver Goldsmiths, Redriff, St Franscesca Cabrini, St James the Great, St Pauls CofE, Southwark Park, Summerhouse, and Victory.

In Lewisham we are continuing to develop the drama for communication work that began with the Speak Out project. This year we have a full programme in Fairlawn Primary School and a taster project in New Woodlands Special school. We have also developed a narrative training package in partnership with the Primary Care Trust and the Speech and Language Therapists.

Or you may like to read about the Speech Bubbles work in the new Trentham Books publication "Drama to Inspire" available to purchase now from here 

If you are interested in this programme of work please contact adam@londonbubble.org.uk

Speech Bubbles Report available here 

"Beautifully presented-doing something new. Worked at all levels." - Jean Gross Communication champion.

Speech Bubbles receives core funding from the Southwark Pupil Development Centres and the individual participating schools. We have also received additional support from Knowledge Connect, The Mercers Company and the United St Saviours Trust.