Anger & Behaviour Management Workshops
In 2004 a pilot project was set up to work with a group of parents at Marvels Lane Primary School. It was supported by the Headteacher there and funded by the Sage Educational Trust.
The group ran for five weekly sessions, with a follow up session two months later and it focused on exploring ways of dealing with angry children and identifying strategies to deal better with both anger and challenging behaviour. It was run by Emma Ramsden, a Dramatherapist, and supported by the school's Learning Support Mentor. Emma used various creative methods, including drama and role play, to explore the themes that emerged in the sessions. There was a very active, hands-on approach to finding strategies, with group members trying out different ideas with each other through the role play. What group members soon realised was what a wealth of experience they already had. As a result of this lots of useful and valuable sharing took place.
The project was a tremendous success, with a core group of parents attending each week. Group members and the facilitators expressed their sadness when it came to an end.
Further Workshops
Following the success of that initial group work in Marvels Lane, a further project was set up in Rangefield Primary School. The workshops aimed to unravel anger and behavioural issues and explore the emotions behind conflicts, both in school and at home. Similar methods were used, including play, drama and role play.
Whilst each group is unique in the way that it works with the material, the issues raised are generally the same. They concern anger and frustration in both children and adults. One of the major strategies employed in the workshops is 'listening'. It is only by listening to the issues brought to the sessions and by providing a good length of time (both in each session and over the course of the project) that, as a group, those involved can attempt to understand where the anger comes from and the emotions that surround it. Strategies can then be developed to change behaviour, enabling clear, improved communication.
For further information on Anger and Behaviour Management Workshops please contact the Sage office.