The Whoosh Book

Those of you who already know about 'Whoosh Storytelling' will know what a brilliant and accessible method it is for introducing any text to pupils of virtually any age. The Royal Shakespeare Company use it regularly in their education sessions but it really can be used with any story. If you don't yet know what it is, have a look at these instructions and explanatory video: Whoosh! Bringing Stories Alive through Drama. The technique is a thoroughly enjoyable approach which enables pupils to become active participants in the story, rather than just passive recipients of it.

Authors Robins and Evan-Jones have done some hard work here writing versions of folk tales, myths, Shakespeare, Bronte, Dickens, Louis Stevenson as well as contemporary texts. There are 42 Whooshes in all, aimed at students from 7-14 years. The book is aimed at English teachers, but anybody should be able to use it. There is a description of how to do a Whoosh at the start and ideas for follow-up work after each narrative with supporting resources. If you want to experience a Whoosh for yourself, do come on one of our drama courses!