We all want our children to grow up confident, resilient and kind. But these skills don’t always come naturally and are hard to teach from a textbook. The best way for them to learn is through experience, which is why drama is such a powerful tool. By stepping inside a story, children can practise problem solving, empathy and teamwork in a safe and supportive space that still feels fun.

At the Drama Toolbox, the Seal Program (Social Emotional Learning) uses animal character puppets who go on a series of imaginative adventures to help children explore these skills. Here’s a peek into what they will experience:

Self-Awareness

Overcoming Obstacles (Introduction to Wild Primary Lesson 3)

In this adventure, children face fun challenges that push them out of their comfort zone. They discover:

• Everyone has different strengths and abilities.
• How it feels to struggle as well as succeed.
• Resilience – to not give up when something is hard.

Self-Management

Facing Our Feelings (Facing Our Feelings Lesson 5)

In this lesson, the children explore scenarios where they need to choose how to respond when their character feels nervous or unsure. They learn:

• How to recognise and express their feelings in positive ways.
• That they have control over their choices.
• Simple strategies to help stay calm and in control of their emotions.

Social-Awareness

Annoying the Big Kids (Filling Our Buckets Lesson 4)

In this story, the children meet the younger character Chimp who struggles to fit in. Throughout the story, they will practise patience and kindness while helping him manage his big feelings. They discover:

• The importance of empathy and seeing things from another perspective.
• How to include and support others.
• The joy of building friendships that are caring and respectful.

Social-Management

Building Bridges Between Friends (Introduction to Wild Primary Lesson 2)

In this adventure, the bridge to Adventure Island has washed away and the group has to work together to solve the problem. They practise:

• Teamwork, communication and negotiation.
• Staying calm and resilient even when things don’t go to plan.
• Leaderships skills in a safe setting.

Through drama, children don’t just hear about resilience, empathy, and teamwork, they live it. The Drama Toolbox’s Seal Program gives children space to practise these vital life skills while having loads of fun. These lessons stick with them long after the story ends, helping them grow into confident and compassionate young people.

Eliza Pascoe, Drama Teacher