Communication is a complex and important process which can be difficult to master at any age, especially in childhood. At Kazzum Arts we work to ensure that every child can communicate their thoughts, feelings and imaginations, supporting those around them to do the same.
Speech Bubbles is an evidence-based drama intervention supporting children’s communication skills, confidence and wellbeing. Over a series of weekly sessions which focus on storytelling and communication, skilled practitioners support the social, emotional and academic development of children referred to the programme.
Speech Bubbles was developed by London Bubble Theatre Company alongside Speech and Language Therapists and SENCo school staff. The approach has been refined and developed and is now a national franchise, reaching 9200 children since 2009. Kazzum has been delivering Speech Bubbles in Newham schools since 2018.
We have expert knowledge of whole-body communication and play, providing a predictable structure with clear boundaries to create an engaging and creative environment. Over the 18 weeks of the programme children’s stories are collected verbatim and retold using the ‘story square’ drama technique. Sessions are then evaluated every week to track student progress in receptive language, turn-taking and expressive skills.
Reasons Why
7 months
By autumn 2020, disadvantaged pupils in primary school were a total of seven
months behind their more privileged peers.
61%
61% of those permanently excluded from school have speech, language and communication needs.
88% of children referred to Speech Bubbles have shown improvement in their learning, speaking and listening.
The programme supports KS1 children with identified communication needs affecting their receptive and expressive language, confidence and wellbeing. Small groups of children explore storytelling through playful exercises which support the development of expression, turn-taking and narrative competence.
In some areas of the UK more than 50% of children are starting school with SLCN yet only a small percentage of these children qualify for one-to-one therapeutic interventions. Children with unmet communication needs and delays or disorders can struggle to succeed in school environments and the wider world. For many children Speech Bubbles is an essential intervention which aids their ability to learn, connect and thrive.
“Speech Bubbles is the
best day of my life!”
Work with us
If you are a school based in Newham, Camden or Waltham Forest and would like to find out more information about this programme, download our PDF info sheet, or get in touch:
or visit www.speechbubbles.org.uk
“We’ve seen a great improvement working with Kazzum, the children get the extra support that they need.”
