A theatre school has introduced a new language learning element to its classes.

Razzamataz West Carlisle, West Cumbria and South Lakes have taken inspiration from a popular TED Talk called ‘How every child can thrive by five’ by Molly Wright.

The talk is about children’s health and development, specifically about the brain, .

The three Razzamataz branches are part of a network of more tan 50 schools with 21 years of experience, who understand the importance of the first five years in children’s development.

As such, Razzamataz is spreading awareness of the specific classes to aid healthy development, which it says help families with connecting, talking, playing, community, and a healthy home.

One new addition which Razzamataz believes aids in these criteria of child development is the teaching of Makaton.

Makaton is a unique language programme which uses symbols, signs, and speech to enable people to communicate while also supporting the development of essential communication skills, such as attention, listening, comprehension, memory, recall, and organisation of language and expression. People may recognise Makaton as being the language which the popular children’s entertainer Justin Fletcher, as the character Mr Tumble, uses on the Cbeebies television programme ‘Something Special’.

Matty Aitchison-Rayson, the Principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria, said: “Razzamataz classes teach so much more than to just sing, dance and act. All of our classes focus on the most important life skills to help children develop self-confidence and resilience. Our Early Years classes have an even stronger emphasis on these core skills to help all children reach their full potential in this critical window of opportunity.”

Razzamataz’s Early Years classes offer this education, and are for three age groups.

The age groups are Razz Tiny Tots (for up to 23 months), Razz Tots (for two to three years) and Razz Minis (for four to five years).

Razzamataz say each of these sessions open the doors to the world of performing arts and will include many of the activities that will strengthen imagination and empathy, teach vocabulary and attention and build memory and trust.

For more information on the classes on offer, get in touch with Razzamtaz West Cumbria via westcumbria@razzamataz.co.uk.