Our Programmes
Empowering Children to Thrive Through Drama
Preschool Sessions
(For 3-5 Year Olds)
-
In our Preschool sessions, children dive deeper into emotional regulation, social skills, and self-awareness. Through engaging drama and role-play, children will:
Learn techniques for emotional regulation and big feelings (anger, sadness, excitement)
Develop listening skills, empathy, sharing, and compromise
Understand the basics of how their brain works and how emotions affect their behaviour
Build executive function skills (focus, attention, and decision-making)
Each session is an exciting adventure that children eagerly look forward to. They’ll meet characters like the Right and Left Brain puppets, who guide them through interactive, drama-filled scenarios that bring emotional learning to life.
-
30 Minutes
-
15
-
Weekly sessions (available in blocks of 10 or more)
Toddler Sessions
(For 2-3 Year Olds)
-
Our Toddler sessions are packed with singing, puppetry, and drama that introduce young children to the basics of emotional regulation. These sessions help toddlers:
Begin naming and identifying emotions (happy, sad, angry, etc.)
Understand how their brain works in simple terms
Develop early social skills like sharing and listening
Learn gentle emotional regulation techniques through play and puppetry
These sessions are perfect for introducing young children to the idea that big feelings are okay to have, and that it’s how we express them that counts.
-
30 Minutes
-
15
-
Weekly sessions (available in blocks of 10 or more)
What’s Included
-
Emotional Regulation Adventures:
Each week, children take part in an adventure with Mindful Max and friends as they learn techniques for managing big emotions like anger, frustration, and sadness. These sessions help children build a solid emotional toolkit that they can use throughout their lives.
-
Interactive Drama and Puppetry:
Using storytelling and characters like the Right Brain and Left Brain puppets, children gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and how to express them in healthy ways. Through fun, drama-filled interactions, children are empowered to engage with their feelings and develop empathy for others.
-
Social-Emotional Learning:
Our programme helps children develop key social skills such as listening, sharing, and compromising, all through play-based learning and exciting role-play adventures. These skills not only benefit children today but also provide a foundation for success in the classroom, on the playground, and in their relationships.
Weekly Guide for Parents: Building Strong Relationships Between Home and School
We provide weekly PDF guides for parents that break down each session’s key learning points and offer practical tips for continuing the learning at home. These guides help reinforce the emotional skills children are developing with Mindful Max, ensuring the lessons learned in the nursery setting are carried over into everyday life.
By giving parents the tools to support their child’s emotional development, we create a seamless learning experience that maximises the impact of our programme. This helps children become emotionally resilient, both in their nursery environment and at home.
How Happy Brain Island Meets EYFS and OFSTED Criteria
We’re dedicated to supporting the emotional and social development of children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and OFSTED standards. Our programme is designed to seamlessly align with the key areas of the EYFS curriculum, ensuring children not only thrive emotionally but also build strong foundations for their future learning.
-
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED):
Our sessions focus on helping children understand and manage their emotions, which is a core component of the PSED area. Through drama and puppetry, children learn to identify emotions, regulate their feelings, and build empathy and social skills—key elements of the EYFS framework.Communication and Language (CL):
The drama and storytelling activities at Happy Brain Island provide children with opportunities to express their feelings, listen to others, and build essential language skills. The interactive nature of our programme encourages children to communicate their thoughts and emotions clearly, supporting the CL area of development.Physical Development (PD):
Many of our activities, including role-play and drama, encourage children to move, interact with their environment, and engage in physical expression. These activities help children develop physical coordination, strength, and self-regulation skills, all important aspects of the PD area.
-
Promoting Positive Behaviour:
Through role-play, puppetry, and drama, children learn to manage their own behaviour and understand the impact of their actions on others. By teaching social-emotional skills in an interactive way, we help children build positive relationships with peers and adults, which is a key factor in meeting OFSTED’s focus on fostering good behaviour and emotional health.Supporting Emotional Wellbeing:
Emotional wellbeing is central to Happy Brain Island. By teaching children about self-regulation and resilience, we contribute to their emotional development, supporting their ability to cope with challenges and build strong relationships. This is aligned with OFSTED’s emphasis on promoting children’s mental health and overall wellbeing.Engagement and Learning Through Play:
Happy Brain Island is rooted in play-based learning. Our drama sessions allow children to explore emotions, practice problem-solving, and engage in imaginative play. This approach ensures children remain excited about learning while developing the key skills they need, aligning with OFSTED’s requirement for learning through meaningful, child-led play.
Testimonials
