Speech Bubbles

The imaginative intervention for Years 1 & 2

What is Speech Bubbles?

Speech Bubbles is a joyful, creative intervention that uses drama activities, story-telling and imaginative play to support children’s development of communication, confidence and well-being. The programme was originally developed in 2007 by Adam Annand and London Bubble Theatre, alongside Speech and Language Therapists and schools. Speech Bubbles is built on the belief that every child has the right to communicate and every child has the right to understand and be understood.

The approach encourages children to tell, act out and reflect on their own stories. Speech Bubbles practitioners use a thoroughly proven structure and their expert knowledge of whole body communication to promote children’s communication, confidence and well-being. Speech Bubbles sessions are a different kind of experience to a clinical intervention, practitioners work to create a space which is collaborative, playful and fun.

The need for Speech Bubbles

Increasing numbers of children are starting school life with communication difficulties. It is estimated that 10% of children and young people in the UK, a total of 1.4 million, have a speech, language and communication need (SLCN) and in areas of disadvantage this may affect 50% of all pupils. Teachers report that as well as teaching reading and writing they increasingly have to teach KS1 children to speak and to play.

The impact of Speech Bubbles for children with SLCN

Through its careful and creative use of story, play and drama, Speech Bubbles has shown to have considerable impact on speaking, listening and attention skills whilst also improving children’s social skills and emotional literacy. In 2022/23, North West Drama’s Speech Bubbles schools reported that 93% of pupils involved improved their learning, speaking and listening skills, and 96% of pupils involved improved their emotional behaviour and conduct.