Description
Book SynopsisChildren on the autistic spectrum experience varying degrees of difficulties; all of which can be understood as a disassociation of mind and body. Expressing feelings, making eye contact, keeping a steady heartbeat and recognizing faces are all part of the autism dilemma which can be explored through Shakespeareâs plays, because of the wealth of his poetic definitions of seeing, thinking and loving.
Over ten years, Hunter worked with children on all points of the spectrum, developing drama games for the specific purpose of combating autism. Shakespeareâs Heartbeat is a step-by-step guide, detailing how to demonstrate, play and share these sensory games.
The book includes:
â games based on A Midsummer Nightâs Dream and The Tempest
â tips and advice for playing one-on-one with the children.
This book provides an indispensable learning tool for those wishing to encourage childrenâs eye contact and facial expression, improve their spatial awareness and language skills and introduce them to imaginative play.
Trade Review"For me – working in a special school – there is so much material here that is of huge benefit to children who struggle with social interaction. This should be on the shelf of every SEN teacher as there are activities here that would work on many levels for children both verbal and non-verbal, ASD or not." - Lucy Ellen Rix, Teaching Drama
Table of ContentsForeword by Robin Post
Introduction
Playing the games/Using the book
Part one A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Chapter 1 Games to begin
Chapter 2 Fairyland
Chapter 3 Dreams
Chapter 4 The Mechanicals
Chapter 5 The Lovers
Chapter 6 Darkness of night
Part two The Tempest
Chapter 7 Caliban
Chapter 8 Ariel
Chapter 9 Miranda and Ferdinand
Chapter 10 The clowns
Chapter 11 Magic
Chapter 12 Resource for playing with the children
Afterword
Epilogue by Marc Tasse
