Theater Games for Calm Kids

The same exercises that help actors stay in the moment can help young students improve their executive function skills and create calm.

by Jocelyn Greene

This article was originally published on Edutopia

Smiling child waves a pink scarf indoors. — Theatre Games that Create Calm. Photo Credit: Hunter Canning

As your students settle in at drop-off, transition between subjects, or return to class after lunch, try playing a mindfulness game inspired by theater education. Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment and connecting to one’s senses and surroundings in order to do so.

Research shows us that in early childhood settings, teachers can use mindfulness to build students’ executive functioning, thus laying a strong foundation for academic work. Furthermore, mindfulness programs can support students’ empathy, perspective-taking, emotional control, and even optimism.

Read the full article of “4 Theater Games That Create Calm” on Edutopia

Learn More Theater Games for a Calm Classroom

Sculpture

In the game Sculpture, students partner up, one becoming the Clay and the other the Artist. Moving slowly, with intention, the Artist demonstrates a body position they want the Clay to adopt.

“There is a profoundly helpful overlap between theater arts and mindfulness practices: To deliver a truthful performance, actors must be attuned to their thoughts, bodies, and environment. “

Test Your Touch

In the theater game Test Your Touch, students exercise focus and concentration, zeroing in on one of their senses and heightening their awareness through tactile exploration.

“When young people understand techniques for noticing what is going on in the present moment, they can better self-regulate, take in new information, and have stronger relationship skills. “

Telephone

In Telephone, students have to pay close attention and listen to the whispered phrase from their neighbor. The whole class respects the quiet that helps the sentence pass around the circle with accuracy.