In the first half of the Summer Term 03 we ran Workshop Weeks in Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater. In June 03 we were also commissioned to undertake a Puppetry & Integration Workshop Week for 3 schools and special schools in Liverpool.

In each town approximately 60 children of mixed abilities each received a full week of workshops.

We re-used our well tried and tested format whereby we challenge the children to create a large-scale puppet show to perform on the Friday afternoon. The weeks were filled with games, puppet, prop and scenery making, songs and rehearsals, leading to the final afternoon of performance. This busy format and single focus of working towards a shared end-goal allows very easy and unembarrassed integration of children of mixed abilities to take place. This happy integration shows clearly during the workshop sessions and spills over into break and lunchtimes.

The final performances, as always, were splendid and did much to raise the children's confidence and self-esteem.

3,600 x 90-minute child-sessions.

"We at Summerfield are thrilled to be involved in the Children's World Integration Tour each year. To see a group of children out of their normal environment develop new skills they never thought they had, nurture new friendships and achieve so much in so little time is a credit to the skills of the Children's World team. They inspire everyone involved in their workshops with their expertise, endless enthusiasm and humour. Their clever way of developing a project from scratch creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere which encourages each and every child to use their imagination to create wonderful things. The hard work during the week is greatly rewarded by the production of a fantastic show including everyone - guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes. All in all, a week where self-esteem, confidence and friendships develop beyond belief!"

Class Teacher, Summerfield Special School, Bath

SEE

HEAR

OUR WORK

Paula "signing" the words of the Children's World "Let's Work Together" Song

"Please take the time to look at the enclosed photographs of Paula, then aged 7, just before lunch on the first day of the Puppetry Integration Week. She was so involved and motivated by the whole experience, it was fantastic. Her language improved, her social skills developed and she worked so hard and gained so much from the Week, it is hard to put into words."

Class Teacher, Baytree Special School, Weston-super-Mare.