Character Kids the Book

Get the book educators call a “one-stop shop” & “exactly the kind of resource teachers want!”

From Character Kids Founder & CEO Brenda Dodge comes a dynamic book of children’s theater games that focuses on building social and emotional skills for elementary aged students.

This no-prep resource will help classroom teachers, Teaching Artists, camp counselors, play therapists and more bring creative drama activities to their students in a fun, fast and effective way.

“Using this resource is what students will remember about your classroom - the empowerment, the confidence, the self-awareness, and most importantly, the joy of being part of a strong community.”

- Lindsay C. Elementary Educator

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MORE ABOUT THE BOOK

Character Kids contains 135 theater games that help students develop important life skills. It’s a no-prep resource that will bring creative drama activities to your students in a fun, fast and effective way – no theater experience required!

Each chapter focuses on a different personal or social skill - such as emotional literacy, teamwork and creative thinking - and includes 15 drama games that support that skill. Character Kids is meant to be used by teachers to quickly and effectively tap into character education while the kids are having a lot of fun. While the book was designed with grades K-5 in mind, students of all ages will benefit from the skills learned in these activities. The games aren’t cumulative and can be played in as little as 5–10 minutes.

Use these games in:

* the classroom

* theater rehearsals

* summer camp

* club meetings

* play therapy

* & more!

Creative drama helps develop:

* social skills

* confidence

* self-awareness

* creative thinking skills

* empathy

* & more!

Character Kids will help your students connect more with themselves and the world around them...and they’ll have a lot of fun along the way. Play on!

MEET THE AUTHOR

Ms. Dodge is a children’s theatre director, producer and teaching artist. For over 20 years, she has worked with public and private schools, community centers, youth theaters, summer camp programs and park districts to create quality theatre education programs for students of all ages.

Brenda is also a professional actress who has worked in theatre, commercials and television throughout the Midwest and Southern California.

Brenda has a degree in Theatre, with a minor in mass communication, from Illinois State University. She resides in Franklin, WI with her husband and two children.

REVIEWS & PRAISE

  • “A one stop shop for all those who work with young children and are looking for engaging, interactive games!”

    - Julie Noller, 2nd grade teacher, Franklin Public Schools

  • “This is exactly the kind of resource that teachers want!”

    - Erin Dreske, Elementary Instructional Coach - West Allis-West Milwaukee School District

  • “Using this resource is what students will remember about your classroom - the empowerment, the confidence, the self-awareness, and most importantly, the joy of being part of a strong community.”

    - Lindsay Carney, Elementary Educator

  • “I love this book! I read it cover to cover in one sitting and am so excited to play with my students! I love that all of these wonderful games are in one place to easily grab an idea from.”

    Nicole Ogden, Kindergarten teacher - Franklin Public Schools

  • "The activities really do fit in nicely with the CASEL SEL framework. I pictured different activities for the Welcoming/ Inclusion activities, others for the Engaging Strategies, Brain Breaks & Transitions, and still others for Optimistic Closures."

    Mary Fassbender, Elementary Educator

  • "There are many connections between the skills practiced in these games and educational standards in the primary grades. I look forward to utilizing this book in the classroom on a regular basis and know the kids will love the games! ”

    Julie Noller, 2nd grade teacher - Franklin Public Schools

  • "LOVED IT!! At first I began making a list of the activities I wanted to try with my students next year, but stopped because my list was growing, and I realized I liked them all depending on the lesson and purpose.”

    Carol Delany, Elementary Teacher & Reading Interventionist - District 181, Hinsdale, IL

  • "Shining the spotlight on process rather than product, these games teach children the importance of cooperation, collaboration, and the power of their own imagination."

    Candace Decker, professional actress & theatre educator

  • “What sets this book apart is its focus on character development.…I look forward to using these activities in my high school theatre classroom to encourage my students to lead with sensitivity and awareness."

    Jeannine Marquie, Theatre Arts Coordinator - San Diego, CA

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