ABSTRACT
Very young children are naturally very expressive and will readily display their emotions for all to see, particularly when they are excited, displeased or upset! Learning to express themselves without sound or speech, through a variety of games and activities, can help them to develop a greater self-control, to communicate with others and to understand and empathise with other people's feelings. Carefully praise one child for their abilities in expression and mime, another for their talent in dance and movement and another for their original ideas in speechwork, making it clear that all are differently able but all good at something and each skill is equally valuable. Begin with simple action songs and move on to miming characters and stories as the group grows in experience, confidence and proficiency. Make up simple story sequences and encourage children to participate in portraying the stories in mime, by asking questions and demonstrating actions.
