BUILD CONFIDENCE THROUGH VIRTUAL IMPROV

Last week, Miss Agatha and I taught two amazing back-to-back sessions of VIRTUAL IMPROV with 5-11 year old students. 

At the end of class, I asked them to answer at least one question:

1) What’s one thing you liked about class today or 2) What is one thing you loved about what you did in class today?

The first question is often the easiest to answer. They say,“I liked creating the story” or “I liked playing zip, zap, zop” and many of them love the classes because they get to make new friends.

The second question often gets ignored because it requires more reflection.

So, last week I decided to be more direct, asking “what are you proud of yourself for doing in class?” 

One of the students began answering by recognizing what his peers did really well.  I repeated the question “what are YOU most proud of YOURSELF for doing in class today?

“Uhhh…..” The entire group was silent.

Miss Agatha and I waited for a bit. No response.

Then Miss Agatha shared what she was most proud of them for doing in class. I added a few observations. One by one they started to share.

One young boy said “I’m proud of myself for being a good actor”

Another said “I’m proud of accomplishing the play” 

By the end, each student had vocalized an achievement. You could see them lighting up with pride. And that’s how you build confidence-one act at a time- through improv!

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