Express yourself!

Argues that too little attention is paid in schools to helping children to process their everyday feelings. Describes how the author decided to run afterschool groups which would put children in touch with their feelings by the use of the arts, including play with paints, clay or sand, drama, puppetry, dance, music, storytelling and children′s literature. Suggests that, if the arts become the preserve of theélite and/or the talented, such exclusivity undermines individuals′ creative abilities. Summarizes how many children who attend are those experiencing family changes such as divorce, and how the groups give them the permission and space to express their feelings of sadness and anger at what is happening.