The Suitcase Kid: Using drama to explore Andy's world

Introduction

Jacqueline Wilson is one of children's literature's bestselling authors. Her work is enduringly popular, and she is renowned for tackling head on the real-life issues faced by many young people. The Suitcase Kid is a fine example of this, and many KS2 students will be able to identify with the issues, decisions, and layers of complicated emotion that protagonist Andy faces.

Exploring the book through drama will give students a chance to really look behind the actions and words of the characters, thereby enabling them to reach a greater understanding of how Andy is gradually able to come to terms with her parents’ divorce, and the challenge of living between two new families.

This scheme is written in chronological order, and can therefore accompany a classroom reading of the book. A variety of drama games and exercises are used to explore and expand on the text, with a focus on getting to know and understand the characters. It broadly covers the KS2 National Curriculum drama objectives, as well as aligning with the speaking, listening and group discussion and interaction objectives within KS2 English.

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<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>Jacqueline Wilson is one of children's literature's bestselling authors. Her work is enduringly popular, and she is renowned for tackling head on the real-life issues faced by many young people. <i>The Suitcase Kid</i> is a fine example of this, and many KS2 students will be able to identify with the issues, decisions, and layers of complicated emotion that protagonist Andy faces.</p>
<p>Exploring the book through drama will give students a chance to really look behind the actions and words of the characters, thereby enabling them to reach a greater understanding of how Andy is gradually able to come to terms with her parents’ divorce, and the challenge of living between two new families.</p>
<p>This scheme is written in chronological order, and can therefore accompany a classroom reading of the book. A variety of drama games and exercises are used to explore and expand on the text, with a focus on getting to know and understand the characters. It broadly covers the KS2 National Curriculum drama objectives, as well as aligning with the speaking, listening and group discussion and interaction objectives within KS2 English.</p>
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