Drama at the Heart: Teaching Drama in Steiner-Waldorf Schools by Nell Smyth

Drama is at the heart of school life. In the playground, corridors and classroom. But is drama really embedded in your curriculum? Is it something that just happens or is it a centripetal force and the engine for a cross-curricular approach to learning? This is why I recommend you read Nell Smyth's book. Smyth ‘gets’ drama and her vast experience as a Middendorf breathwork and Steiner Waldorf teacher glistens on every page.

It is practical and poetic, insightful and accessible using rich metaphors of boats, journeying and navigation throughout to take us on a journey of discovery. It offers tips on sensing, breathing and attention and is packed with useful warm-ups, organised games, free play and imaginative exercises. Other perceptive pointers include choosing or writing your own play, casting, rehearsing and involving the community.

This is a passionate book that pulsates with life, helps you prevent curriculum clots and supports teachers to pump their pedagogy more efficiently. It reminds us that at the heart of the educational process lies the child and that holistic and inclusive learning environments question the supremacy of disciplines. It also tells us that drama pulls the threads together and gives the curriculum real strength, character and depth.

Dip in and out or use it as a sequential guide to teaching drama, either way, you and your students will be richer for it. It's a resource for whole-school wellbeing, challenge and change.