Improvisation

Learning intentions

  • We are learning to use tableau in a range of activities.
  • We are learning to use freeze frame in a range of activities.
  • We are learning to use hot seating in a range of activities.

What to look for

  • Pupils responding to stimulus words by adapting their facial expressions
  • Pupils demonstrating their tableaux to the rest of the class
  • Groups of pupils presenting a story using a series of freeze frames
  • Pupils adopting a character and speaking about that character
  • Pupils interviewing each other in role

Learning activities

Ask the pupils to use gesture, movement and facial expression to demonstrate their responses in a variety of everyday activities, for example:

  • opening a present:
    • surprise;
    • disappointment; and/or
    • joy;
  • blowing out the candles on a birthday cake:
    • anxiety;
    • excitement; and/or
    • relief.

Put the pupils into groups of 4–5. Discuss different forms of celebration and ask them to devise a tableau to illustrate one, for example:

  • putting up a Christmas tree;
  • a wedding;
  • a christening; or
  • winning a race.

Have all the pupils begin an action at the same time, for example:

  • brushing their teeth;
  • sweeping the floor;
  • catching a fish; or
  • chopping wood.

Then give a signal and ask them to freeze the action.

Divide the pupils into groups of 4–5. Read part of a story and have the pupils freeze the action at a particular point, for example:

  • Cinderella in the kitchen with her step-sisters; or
  • the baron and Buttons when the invitation for the ball arrives.

Give each group the opportunity to create a different freeze frame so that together they tell an overall story. Point out how, together, all the freeze frames look as though they make up the illustrations in a story book.

Take on the role of a character from a story or a book. Elicit questions from the pupils, and answer them in role.

After you demonstrate the activity, ask the pupils to take on the role of a character and ask each other questions.

Record them speaking in role about their own character on camera (vox pops).

You could then ask them to interview each other in role in a chat-show format.

Show the recorded interviews and vox pops to the class.