Larraine S Harrison
BOOKS
DRAMA AND WRITING
Drama and Writing
for ages 5-11
A practical guide for teachers to develop and inspire writing through using drama in the classroom. Each of the ten chapters provides step-by-step guidance and creative prompts for writing that apply to both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two, enabling teachers to motivate their pupils through creating meaningful contexts, audiences, and purposes to encourage writing. With a wide range of ideas to apply to the classroom, from simple classroom strategies to more complex units of work, this book is suitable for all teachers – including those who hold limited experience of using drama in the classroom.
RRP £16.99 Paperback
Published by Routledge
DRAMA AND READING
Drama and Reading
for Meaning ages 4-11
Contains over 40 creative drama ideas. From bringing books to life in Reception and Years 1 and 2, to peeling back layers of meaning in Years 3-6, all the drama activities are designed to improve reading for meaning and help motivate children to read for pleasure, making this an essential resource for all primary settings.
RRP £16.99 Paperback
Published by Routledge
Red Snow
When Megan and Ryan find two wild cats in the woods, they decide to keep their existence a secret. But they soon discover there is a link between the cats and the death of Megan's mother several years ago. No one in their village will talk about it, so Megan and Ryan must solve the mystery on their own.
RRP £7.99 Paperback
Published by Troubador Press
RED SNOW
ANGEL'S CHILD
Angel's Child
A heart-warming story of two children battling danger, superstition and lies, to help a mysterious little girl and a grandad suffering from dementia.
Also included:
Angel's Child Quiz
- Ten questions on each chapter
- Sats style questions focussing on inference and retrieval
- Separate section with answers
- Suitable for guiding reading
RRP £7.99 Paperback
Published by Troubador Press
REVIEWS
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PROFESSOR TERESA CREMIN, THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
ENDORSEMENT for DRAMA AND READING FOR MEANING 4 – 11 Yrs - Do you want to develop children’s imaginations and refresh your English teaching? Then look no further. This energising and accessible book will inspire teachers and children alike. Linked to literature and nonfiction texts, the step by step drama lessons support reading at greater depth and enable children to investigate characters’ motivations, actions and relationships, as well as explore real-life issues.
A rich resource to support the development of language, interpretation and reading for meaning.
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Red Snow - It's a bonny book, written with sensitivity. Red Snow is a book about how we make friends and learning to trust others as well as our own instincts. It's about how sometimes adults don't always know the answers to straightforward questions and how if we look and listen carefully we can make sense of things however complicated or hard they are. It's a book with a clear message and it will appeal to any young person preparing for "big" school.
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FIVE STARS
Red Snow - I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down! I loved the main character, Megan, and felt like I was in her shoes and was experiencing the story along with her. It was so intriguing and exciting and was a wonderful book. I can’t wait for the next one to come out!!!
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FIVE STARS
Red Snow - This is an amazing story. It is very easy to read and connect with the characters. I love the way the author ended the book.
GOOD READS REVIEW
IAN CLAYTON
MARTHA, AGE 10
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FIVE STARS
A STORY OF TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING.
Red Snow - As the reader is drawn into the story of Red Snow, it is clear that there are many mysteries to uncover. Why is the boy next door trailing into the woods at night? Why won't Megan's dad talk about the loss of Megan's mum? Why does he forbid Megan from reaching out to the intriguing Irene? Why does Megan feel that she is surrounded by secrets and half forgotten memories and why are none of the adults she knows willing to explain anything to her? As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn ever deeper into the narrative and like Megan tries to make sense of the mystery surrounding the death of her mother. Red Snow is a book about friendship, instinct and learning that sometimes the harsh reality of truth might be the better path to take. Red Snow also deals with the issue of depression and post-traumatic stress sensitively and although aimed at readers aged 9-11, it can be enjoyed by readers older than this.
AMAZON CUSTOMER
DRAMA AND READING FOR MEANING BOOK REVIEW FROM NATIONAL DRAMA MAGAZINE
What a cracking book! It really is what it says it is: a practical book of ideas for primary teachers around reading and literature.
In a concise way, Larraine introduces the book, including justifying drama for reading. Drama contexts, create audience, and purpose for reading. She then moves on to talk about the drama contract; defining the space: stopping and starting: time to think, and so on, it continues, giving down-to-earth, real advice. Larraine, tackles common concerns, such as reluctant participants; control of a lively classroom; and fitting drama into the curriculum - justifying it as a teaching tool.
Packed with ideas, part one is EYFS to year one.
Larraine is a superb instruction giver, for example, when she’s explaining how to train children to move in a disciplined way in the space on page 12 (she does occasionally throughout the book, give alternatives to using a clear space, such as Conscience Forest for a classroom, instead of Conscience, Alley). Many ideas, in part one cover fairytales, and nursery rhymes, with some delightful alternative points of view when drama is often at its best e.g. a letter from the Duke of York asking for help to mend Humpty Dumpty. The activities feel perfectly pitched.
In part two years 2 to 6 there are many texts to choose from. So, for Dragons, there are seven suggested texts and linked simple drama activities, such as looking after pet dragons and storytelling. The texts vary from picture books, history, journeys, and Holes by Louis Sachar, thereby covering a massive range of ability and experience. Depending on the presentation and class, the Dragon section could be used from year 2 to 6.
Drama is a social activity and face-to-face experience is the best way to engage in drama. A statement I totally agree with.
Nevertheless, Larraine recognises that at times online may be necessary and she makes a few suggestions throughout the book.
At the back of the book there is feedback on the power of Drama by children and teachers followed by a glossary of Drama strategies.
Over the years, I have read many books, giving Drama, ideas and practical advice.
I haven’t read one I can so thoroughly recommend to inexperienced and experienced classroom teachers for over 20 years as Larraine’s.
GERTIE WHITFIELD
NATIONAL DRAMA MAGAZINE
Spring 2023 vol 29/1
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CONTACT & FOLLOW
About the Author:
Larraine was a teacher and a school inspector. She has written several books for teachers on using drama to help children learn. She now writes stories for children and likes to involve her grandchildren and local schools in the production of her books. Angel's Child is Larraine's second novel. Her first, Red Snow, proved to be popular in schools. She now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and when she's not writing she likes to play her saxophone.
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© Larraine S Harrison 2020