Based on tried-and-tested units of work, this book shows teachers and student teachers how they can engage children's learning through drama.

This book provides teachers of children at Key Stages 1 and 2 with a much-needed source of exciting and creative drama-based activities, designed to improve literacy. As useful for the drama novice as for the busy literacy co-ordinator, these flexible activities are designed to help teachers meet National Curriculum and National Literacy Strategy (NLS) requirements, particularly through speaking and listening. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 looks at literacy and the power of drama as a 'brain-friendly' medium for teaching and learning. Part 2 contains ten structured, practical units of work, each based on a different story, poem, play or traditional tale or rhyme and each linked directly to the requirements and objectives of the NLS and the QCA objectives for speaking and listening. Part 3 contains photocopiable Literacy Support Sheets for teachers to use and adapt for their own classroom needs. All units of work have been tried and tested by the authors, giving teachers a springboard from which to enhance and extend their literacy lessons, and engage the imagination of their pupils. The book is also the ideal resource for student teachers.

'This is a well thought-out book, covering all current aspects of the subject in great detail ... This book will be most useful for training purposes and inexperienced literacy coordinators who have been landed with the job of reintroducing drama to their primary school.' - Ruth Bamford, NATE 'The richest section of the book is devoted to drama strategies and conventions. Clear, user-friendly guidelines take the teacher through a resource bank of lively tasks. These are supplemented by a set of practical units connecting the activities to a range of texts. The units are full of writing opportunities and there is a range of supporting material, including photocopiable pictures and activity sheets. If, like me, you need a bit of prompting to venture into the realms of drama, here's your prompt. Step out!' - Huw Thomas, Junior Education