Rachel's experiences so far.....May 31st Bluegum pre primary class

Michelle at playtime with Nikki Bluegum class

Starting with a period of research and development , is giving the artists team a fantastic opportunity to get to know staff and children. The uses of Rhythmic Intention in developing processes and routines for the children is fascinating, as is the whole knowledge and practice of Conductive Education. The techniques of rhyme and action, often taken for granted as part of childrens early learning and understanding, is vital here, with body language and facial communication. It feels like a very steep learning curve for us as artists to begin to use these visual language techniques in sensory awareness performance to make this kind of theatre really work for PMLD children.
Thanks to all the staff, the doors of our perception of visual communication open wider, answering our continous questions, (so much verbal communication!)while we try to blend in the background and not cause a distraction to normal activities.
Playtime after morning tea in Bluegum, we make contact with the children using puppets and play props to communicate , introduce ourselves via their current Dinosaur  theme.
Im very passionate about puppetry being a useful tool for covering visual layers, they can surprise, wait patiently for response and stimulate deeper play. It was great to be able to relax and have fun together, I can see how hard the staff and children work to do everyday things many of us take for granted.There is much to learn....

Tahlia communicates with Rachel