1st December 2008

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Storyteller Liz Weir with puils from St Matthew’s, Beechfield, and Nettlefield Primary Schools

Researchers and staff at the University of Ulster have been using interactive techniques like music, art and storytelling to help develop children’s self esteem in the classroom.

Children from three Belfast primary schools took part in a performance of storytelling at Ulster’s Jordanstown campus today as part of the two-year project exploring levels of self esteem in young children. Self esteems is defined as confidence, awareness of and respect for self and others in the revised Northern Ireland curriculum.  

Researchers and staff from Ulster’s Schools of Education and Psychology are currently working with Primary One and Primary Two children from St Matthew’s, Beechfield, and Nettlefield Primary Schools to help boost their self esteem through a programme of interactive and creative activities involving both teachers and parents/guardians.

The programme, entitled Sparking the Imagination, is facilitated by experts in art, music, storytelling, ICT and fundamental movement skills, with the children participating in a range of activities designed to enhance teaching and learning.  

The project also aims to develop stronger home/school partnerships and the number of parents and guardians taking part in the activities has grown steadily over the first year.

Project Manager, Dolores Loughrey, from Ulster’s School of Education said: "Sparking the Imagination is intended to complement the school curriculum at the foundation stage, this includes particular emphasis on the development of personal, social and emotional skills in children through opportunities to engage in a range of worthwhile, challenging and enjoyable learning experiences. The first stage of the project has already provoked positive feedback from teachers and parents, who have welcomed the opportunity to nurture self-esteem amongst pupils.” 

Initial findings suggest that approximately one fifth of the pupils were perceived by teachers to have vulnerable self-esteem, with a higher proportion of boys than girls.

Project Officer, Caroline Woods, from Ulster’s School of Education, added: “Over the course of the first year of the project there have been perceived changes in the pupils’ behaviour. Most notably, these changes have included improvements in confidence and in social interaction. 

"It is hoped that introducing a project such as this in the early years of primary school will provide the basis by which children might begin to appreciate their potential and carry this with them through their school years and beyond.”

Storyteller, Liz Weir, who has been working with the children this term, has seen the benefits of the activities to the pupils at first hand. 

She said: “I have seen lively children learn to listen with respect to their peers, quiet children find the confidence to retell stories in front of others and even the shyest child participate. Parents showed pride in their children’s story sharing, the children blossomed and the teachers showed a real willingness to try something new.

"Storytelling has the ability to cross barriers of culture, ability and age and this project has seen real partnerships develop. The children have become much more confident in talking and listening and this has resulted in greater self esteem.” 

For further information on Sparking the Imagination contact: Caroline Woods on: 028 90368073 or email: c.woods@ulster.ac.uk

 

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter