Dr Sue has been conferred by the University of Birmingham with the title, Senior Research Fellow in the Shakespeare Institute. She will be pursuing her research on the therapeutic understanding of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, especially our understanding of ‘other worlds’. “For we are spirits of another sort…”
Exciting News for Storytelling
Exciting news from one of our close partner, storyteller Sharon Jacksties:
FEST - the Federation for European Storytelling - has developed a pilot project appointing 'storytelling ambassadors' for five European countries: England, Poland, Germany, Greece and Holland. Sharon Jacksties will be liaising with FEST and storytelling stakeholders to develop lobbying strategies for the recognition of oral storytelling in the cultural, educational and health sectors and to promote co-operation between storytelling organisations throughout the country.
Winter Newsletter Now Available!
Our Winter Newsletter is now available to read online!
All your Neuro-Dramatic-Play news in one place! Forthcoming courses, thought-provoking articles, NDP news, and more!
Moose & Mouse visit the Library!
Moose and Mouse have been paying visits to local libraries as Dr Sue has been undertaking live readings for children.
Wells Nub News reported:
You’re never too old to change careers!
That’s the firm belief of 81-year-old Dr Sue Jennings who says: “After 50 years working internationally as an anthropologist and trainer I am is launching my new career as a children’s author while still reasonably healthy.
“I want to devote my last years to encourage children to read real books rather than screens.
Dr Sue has pioneered innovatory work in dramatherapy and play therapy in the UK, Greece, Romania, India and Malaysia and has taken her work to prisons, psychiatric hospitals and special school. Dramatherapy is now recognised as a state registered profession in the UK and is recommended as an NHS treatment by the NICE guidelines.
Previously Dr Sue, who has lived in Wells and Glastonbury for more than 20 years, published more than 50 books for teachers, parents and therapists on practical methods for working with anger management, emotional intelligence, resilience and confidence building.
Her first children’s book is The Story of Moose and Mouse, which tells how these two unlikely creatures meet and become firm friends.
The second is Moose and Mouse’s Great Adventure, which describes how the two friends go on their first expedition. Book three will tell of Moose and Mouse’s travels to Mongolia.
The stories emphasise the importance of friendship, attachment, curiosity and empathy. With the intention to develop these qualities while children are still young. They also encourage live reading especially between parents and children.
“Teachers tell me that cruelty to animals and other children is happening at a younger age through a lack of empathy,” said Dr Sue.
“There is still violence against people who are different and storytelling can address these issues without moralising or preaching.”
Dr Sue read extracts from the books and led a simple workshop of sound, movement, colouring and puppet play for young people at Wells and Glastonbury libraries.
Farewell Little Houses!
Just a few of the little houses left! Pleased they will be used practically for troubled children but sad to say goodbye! But must stay resolute: downsize means downsize!
Story Boxes
Creating Story Boxes, such a powerful way of telling tales or enacting dramas, is one of the NDP techniques that is part of ‘Theatre of Resilience’. The fourth module of our online training programme focuses on this aspect of NDP. Find out more HERE. Dr Sue.
Storytelling Houses
So many little houses for storytelling! Sometimes not enough for children who have had a traumatised journey through so many foster homes. Drawing and modelling houses is often a preoccupation. It makes the saying ‘Home is where the heart is’ even more poignant.
From Mess to Order!
Original pattern making with pasta! Also reminiscent of the need to sort things out - rummaging! Find out more about messy play through our online course. AND there is a new book on messy play which will be reviewed in the forthcoming Winter Newsletter.
Scarecrow Friends!
In the crèche gardens at Chandigarh Hospital. The two scarecrows will feature in the next story of Moose and Mouse when they travel to India. Currently they have just got back from Mongolia with many tales to tell!
What is it about Mountains?
What is it about mountains? First the Carpathians in Romania, now the Himalayas in India! Pure air, stillness and tranquility. Nothing better.
