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Motivation I: Move the Chair Activity

Motivation I: Move the Chair Activity

Participants work individually using their imagination in this activity with a real chair (note: you will need to provide a chair).  This activity can be employed to practice a variety of skills such as Believability, Problem Solving, Subtext or Body as a stepping stone to more advanced drama.  If desired, this activity can also be applied to work with lessons in Character Education or Language Arts.  This activity is the first in a Motivation series that successively builds skills.

Meet and Greet Activity

Meet and Greet Activity

Your participants work in small groups for this activity.  This entire activity is a metaphor for all of theater. It is a great teaching tool. This has been developed and used for over 30 years and it WORKS.   Participants are guided through a series of scenes, seven in total, that assists in understanding theatrical and play structure.  When this activity is done, you will feel the energy in the room.

Math Stories Activity

Math Stories Activity

Your participants work in small groups for this activity.  They practice creating stories and improvising an imaginary character that must answer questions using mathematics.  This activity connects math to creating a believable character.  We have provided some story cards in this download as an example – use these or create your own linked to your current topics.

Magic Carpet Ride Activity

Magic Carpet Ride Activity

This activity is designed for the younger participants (Kindergarten to 3rd) for using their imagination and creating setting and space.  Contrary to the name, no carpets are necessary.  This activity has been built into a complete lesson for both the Kindergarten ages and the 1st grade.  This can be done as a stationary activity or have fun moving around with them to combine with physical activity.

Lemonade Activity

Lemonade Activity

Your participants work in concert or in group of 5-6 for this teamwork-based activity.  Teams, using collaboration and imagination, imitate actions of a profession or career using the body.  This activity is a wonderful way to introduce setting in drama and language arts. Have the students create settings from class readings.  This activity also provides an opportunity for interested students to take on the role of director.

Landscape Activity

Landscape Activity

Your participants work in concert for this teamwork-based activity.  The entire group creates a “Landscape” that others must guess.  This activity might build off of the Body Objects one.  This activity is a wonderful way to introduce setting in drama and language arts.  It can also be used to introduce and practice the role of director.