Focusing on mental health and wellbeing, the workshops will be digital adaptations of in-person workshops carried out by the theatre last Autumn. The videos will use drama activities to bring an interactive, practical and fun approach to talking about mental health.
Each session will be accompanied by an activity sheet to enhance learning further. The children will follow the story of Mo, a boy living through lockdown during the pandemic who is experiencing problems and stresses.
The theatre hopes that this will help children make connections with their own experiences and emotional challenges. Some of the problems the team behind the videos are trying to address include reduced concentration, diminished communication skills, and a lack of independence in younger years.
Polka’s artistic director Peter Glanville comments, ‘With one in six children now having a probable mental health disorder (NHS Digital/ONS), it is essential that we do all we can to support them through this pandemic.
‘Children's mental health is as important as their physical health, and many are experiencing increased levels of anxiety. These filmed workshops, free to schools and the community, are part of a 10-month programme from Polka Theatre, helping children to express and understand the feelings and emotional challenges they are facing.’
The workshops can be accessed here.