Supporting your SEN child through their school nativity
Rehearsals are a wonderful opportunity for your child to build confidence and develop their speaking skills
As the end of term approaches, there's a magic in the air, and for many families, a school Christmas nativity is a much loved tradition that brings everyone together. During our visits to prep schools across London these last few weeks, it was great to see so many schools gearing up to invite parents in for their productions, and hearing songs and carols being practiced.
Preparing your child for their role in the nativity play can help them to enjoy it, and also remove some of the stress that might go along with standing up and performing in front of a crowd, or sitting for a prolonged period.
First things first, create a warm and inviting space at home where your child can practice their lines and gestures. You might decorate this area with twinkling fairy lights or a homemade star to set the scene. The key is to make it a place where your child feels comfortable and inspired, free from other distractions or worries, and yes that might include moving brothers and sisters out of the way for a while!
Encourage them to use their imagination—perhaps dressing up in a simple costume or using props like a toy sheep or a cardboard manger. Start by reading through their lines together, pausing to discuss any unfamiliar words or phrases.
Consider using flashcards with pictures related to their role—such as angels, shepherds, or wise men—to help them remember their lines and cues. This visual support can make the learning process more interactive and memorable.
Encourage your child to practice in front of family members or even a friendly pet, as having an audience, no matter how small, can help them get used to performing in front of others.
Offer plenty of praise and positive feedback to boost their self-esteem. Remember, the goal is to make the experience joyful and pressure-free!
To help your child understand the sequence of events in the nativity story, you might create a simple storyboard with them. Use drawings or printed images to represent key moments, like the journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, and the visit of the wise men. Finally, once the big day arrives, celebrate your child's effort and participation, regardless of the outcome.
Perhaps they discovered a new talent, made new friends, or simply enjoyed being part of something special.
Here's to a fun nativity play for everyone involved!