In the lessons that follow, we will be addressing classroom management around behavior, student engagement, retention, social-emotional learning, critical thinking, life skills, and more.

There are 5 modules with 5 curated theater games/ experiences per module to choose from as a part of a full classroom management system or as standalone exercises.

The games are meant to be played in the classroom.  As a self-paced course, you have the time to review each one, imagine how they would be applied in your classroom, and plan accordingly.  Your ultimate goal should be to use them in your classroom to meet identified needs.

Module 1
Community- promotes respect for self and others. Great for introducing and reinforcing classroom rules and contracts, identifying the value of every person and their contribution.

Module 2
Compassion- promotes empathy and action. Excellent for identifying emotions and becoming aware of biases towards others.

Module 3
Focus- promotes concentration. Designed to encourage students to practice the art of focusing through self awareness.

Module 4
Peer to Peer- promotes working together. Great for smaller groups and introverted students to practice working with others.

Module 5
Student Engagement- promotes conversation and expression.  Perfect for stirring up critical thinking and engaging conversations.

CONTENT

Each game includes a

1.) "How to Play" sheet

Plus within each module:

2.) a suggested list of objectives

3.) reflection questions

4.)"connecting the dots" questions for teachers to use with students and

5.) takeaway points.

How to play printable

Imagine a recipe card. Step by step Instructions equips you to carry out the games. They can be used independent of the course as a printable as well.

Objectives

A list of focal points. 

Once you are comfortable with the games, these objectives will change to meet your ever-changing goals. 

Reflection 

"What was most fun? Most challenging?” Recurring reflection questions help students process their experiences and is a vital part of experience-based learning. Asking this simple question becomes a predictable part of the engagement process preparing students to answer with confidence over time. Here are 4 different ways to ask that same question, with slightly different vibes so you can change it up, pick what fits the activity or age group best:

1. “What part of this activity did you enjoy the most, and what part felt the most challenging?”

2. “Which moment was the most fun for you? Which moment stretched you the most?”

3. “What did you find easiest or most enjoyable, and what did you struggle with?”

4. “Looking back, what stood out as fun, and what required the most effort or focus?”

Have your students write their answers in a notebook, then share aloud.

Connecting the dots

These questions are related to the game and are meant to guide students to think critically about their experience and the natural lessons that derive from playing the game. The answers to these questions will almost always bring up things you never thought about. That's a good thing. Go with the flow.  Here is where the drama based education principle- “process over outcome”- is at work. 
Other times students' answers will lead to an organic focus on the written objectives and the takeaway. 

The Takeaway

A list of takeaways helps to button up the experience. Be assured, however, that students' participation in the game, the reflection and the "connecting the dots" questions will offer far more poignant and relevant takeaways.  

Next we will show you best practices for a full classroom management plan and standalone exercises.