Drama Therapy and Storymaking in Special Education by Crimmens Paula;

Author:Crimmens, Paula; [Crimmens, Paula]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Themes in the story

‘Momotaro’ is one of the most famous stories in Japan and it describes a child with superhero qualities. In some versions of the story, Momotaro experiences accelerated growth and is only 5 years old when he decides to go and fight the ogres although he has the strength and emotional maturity of a young man. What I do not usually include in the version I use with groups is that the ogres actually stole the children of the village, so that Momotaro, by his very presence, is healing for the old couple and the community. It also explains how fearful his parents must have been when he was so determined to confront the ogres. A familiar theme is the animal companions who have attributes that equip them uniquely for the task.

Ideas for the story

The story begins beside a river. I often sing the opening song while wafting a long length of blue fabric above the students’ heads with another staff member holding the other end. You can make it a game where students can only come beneath the fabric when they are sitting nicely and each time you sing the song you point to another two students until finally the whole class is seated beneath the fabric. This activity is so popular that I often integrate it into other sessions with different songs and different coloured fabric. It makes a most calming, settling activity with which to begin the session.

The river is flowing, flowing and growing,

The river is flowing down to the sea.

Carry me off with thee,

Thy friend I will always be,

Carry me off with thee,

Down to the sea.

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