Improv is a form of theater, often comedy, in which most or all of what is performed is unplanned or unscripted: created spontaneously by the performers.
A few of the foundational principles of improv include:
- Listen and be in the moment
- Say yes and add something, don't reject ideas (Yes, and...)
- Team Work
- Be in character, take on another perspective
- Remove judgment, accept all ideas
These are all skills we want to grow in the students we teach. Improv is one way to develop communication and creative problem solving skills, and support team-work abilities. The principles can also be used by students to make sense of complex academic concepts. Our students are presented with scientific stimuli, real world math problems, and challenging themes in reading all the time! As teachers, we expect students to take these prompts and build. This is the "Yes, and" that improv is built from!
Children live in a world full of "no's." The foundational idea off "Yes, and" is the cornerstone of improv. Such a simple phrase, yet such a powerful catalyst for mindset change. This creates a place and space for students to create something that is truly shared and that encourages participation from all members of the group. It builds trust, risk taking, confidence building, and...it's fun!
In this session teachers will:
- Connect the principles of Improv to the EPS Essentials of Personalized Learning
- Learn (and play) Improv games that can be implemented in the classroom
- Get ideas about implementing improv into upcoming content units
This session is eligible for general clock hours.
