High Yield Activities - Family Portraits

Family Portraits is one of my favorite activities because it lets the kids get some of their sillies out while also expanding some thinking about what the term family can encompass. This activity can be done at any level of drama skill. It can be conducted outside, in a gym space, or anywhere that the kiddos have plenty of space to move around.

Target Area: Any large open space

Objective: To incorporate drama into your daily Club activity programs by having Club members work in groups, take chances, and lessen inhibitions

Target Age Group: Ages 9-12 years

Time to Complete: 20-30 minutes

Skills Taught: Creativity; Public performance

Materials Needed: None

Instructions: 

Split members into groups of three to five people. One group starts out by standing facing the rest of the group. Chose a member from a different group to be the "photographer". The photographer shouts out a type of family for the group to pose as in a family portrait. The group cannot talk about how they are going to pose; they just have to get into a position that captures the assigned character and freeze. Encourage the photographer to come up with creative and unusual types of families. Here are some examples:

Pirate Family
Cowboy Family
Athletic Family
Wizard Family
Superhero Family

Clipart used in this post was purchased from Creative Clips
 

Back Pocket Game: As If

As If is another great back pocket game that requires no staff prep or extra supplies. While the time frame is listed as a 45 minute rotation, you can easily do this as a movement break or as a time filler for transitions. 

Target Area: Any

Objective: To incorporate physical fitness activities in a small area of the Club.

Target Age Group: Ages 6-9

Time to Complete: one 45 minute rotation

Materials Needed: None

Instructions: 

Have all of the members stand up and act out the following scenarios for 20-30 seconds each. If using this as a full rotation, invite members come create their own activities to act out choosing a new member each time to share an idea.

Jog in place as if a big scary bear is chasing you.

Walk forward as if you're walking through chocolate pudding.

Jump in place as if you are popcorn popping.

Reach up as if grabbing balloons out of the air.

March in place and play drums as if you are in a marching band.

Swim as if you are in a giant pool of Jell-O.

Reach down and stand up as if you are picking up a very heavy weight.

Back Pocket Game - Zip! Zap! Zop!

Back Pocket games are something I've been using since my Girl Scout days (which began over twenty years ago, oh my!) Basically, they are something you can pull out of your back pocket and use at a moment's notice because they need no additional supplies. This game, Zip, Zap, Zop, is multifunctional. You can play it as a round robin game where you just go around the circle or it can be used as an elimination game where the person who drops the rhythm is out. Another suggestion is to use it as a vocal warm up for your performing arts programs.

Target Area: Gym (or on stage if performing arts or in homeroom if a time filler)

Age Group: Any and all

Time to Complete: 15 minutes

Materials Needed: None

Instructions:

Invite all members to stand in a circle. Start out by pointing to one person (it's a good idea to make eye contact so they know you're pointing at them) and saying Zip. That person points to someone else and says Zap. That person then points to a third and says Zop. Keep going and pick up speed as you go. 

Rules to Share:

No pausing allowed. Keep it moving!
Pay attention! You have to watch the game to know when it's your turn.
Do not point at the person who just pointed to you.

Graphics used in this post are from Thistle Girl Designs, now closed