Dear Ms Thompson,

I just read your article about the Ministry of Health's emotions training manual.

For years now, we in the arts have been promoting ways to develop emotional intelligence through the use of drama. Drama, in an educational setting, uses fictional situations in which children are encouraged to develop empathy for others, to 'walk in another person's shoes', and to recognise, examine and identify a wide range of emotions. Drama provides a context, a 'no penalty' zone in which the range of emotions can be safely experienced, explored, discussed and internalised.

Role reversal, writing in role, improvisation, thought tracking and a host of other techniques are available to assist children in developing a deeper understanding of and helping them to articulate their feelings. Just thought you might be interested. Best wishes.

Brian Heap,

Staff Tutor in Drama, UWI

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