Friendship Makes the World Go 'Round

by Norah Vawter

This month, our theme in classes and on this blog is FRIENDSHIP.
 
We have all kinds of kiddos in our classes – different races, nationalities, backgrounds, language skills, and ability levels. Some are differently abled and need extra support in class. All are welcome. We love diverse classes because differences teach us so much. CARE Actor classes are a fantastic place for kids to make friends because of the way improv creates a safe space for kids to let loose. We also strive to make our classes feel warm and welcome places.
 
There’s a special magic that happens when we play improv games or act out skits, taking on a new character’s identity. Kids who are ordinarily shy, reserved, or serious can fall apart with silliness on stage or during a game. They can’t stop laughing! The improv games we use in classes help kids find common ground and bond through play and laughter. When we work together to create cool stuff with our imaginations, we learn to support each other. This forges a special bond, because we’re having fun together.

CARE Actor Dramatic Kids playing an improv game.

“Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” - Albert Camus
 
It’s often the small moments that make me see how this is working. For example, my class was playing an intense game of “Zip Zap Zop.” One of the girls goofed, got eliminated from the game, and was confused about what had happened. An older boy, who’s outspoken, started laughing at her. I was afraid he was being unkind. I was about to step in when I heard the girl’s delighted laughter. She knew he wasn’t being mean! He was treating her like one of the gang. And it was okay to make a mistake. This was a little moment, but it’s exactly what CARE Actor strives for – to create a safe space where kids can become more confident and support each other through creative expression.

Read on for two fun activities you can do at home!

Lots of laughter during CARE Actor's Family Improv

Yes, Let’s!
 
This classic theater improv game is a great way to practice supporting each other and going with the flow. No props or materials needed!
 
Directions

1. Create a stage by clearing a space in your living room, your yard, wherever. Get everyone up on stage.
2. This game will involve your entire group, but there will be one leader at a time. Assign an order for who will lead first, and so forth.
3. The leader says, “Let’s_______” and fills in the blank with some activity you can all mime on stage. Like, “Let’s brush our teeth!” “Let’s drive a car!” or “Let’s escape from a tiger!”
4. Everyone else supports the leader by shouting, “Yes, let’s!”
5. The group pretends to do the activity – brushing teeth, driving a car, escaping from a tiger, etc.
6. After a minute or so, the next leader yells out, “Yes, let’s______!” and suggests a new activity. Everyone responds by shouting, “Yes, let’s!” and pretending to do the activity.
   
7. Continue until everyone has had a chance to be the leader.

A Handful of Compliments

This deceptively simple activity encourages the participants to recognize what they appreciate about one another.

Photo Credit: Pexels Stock Images

Materials:

• Construction paper
• Pencils
• Markers/crayons/colored pencils (optional)

 
Directions

1. Pass out construction paper and pencils to each person.
2. Trace one hand with a pencil so that you have the outline of your hand on the paper. Write your name at the top of the page.
3. Pass the papers to the left. Write one or more things you like about the person whose “hand” you have. You should write these answers inside the traced hand.
4. When everyone is finished, pass to the left again. Now write one or more things you like about the person whose “hand” you have now.
5. Repeat until your hand is returned to you. Soak up the praise!
6. It’s nice to fill up the hand, so if you have a smaller group, modify the exercise by asking specific questions after you’ve done the above steps. After everyone has written a compliment on each hand, say, “Write something this person does to help others,” and then pass the hands around for more compliments. When they return, you can ask another question like, “What’s your favorite thing to do with this person?” And so forth.
7. If kids are having a hard time coming up with something to say, use specific questions to prompt them.