How—and Why—to Use Improv in the Classroom

Fourth-grade teacher Katie Giordano began working with arts educator Jocelyn Greene from Child’s Play NY to start bringing theater and improv games into her classroom more than 4 years ago. “I always had this vision of what I wanted my classroom to look and sound and feel like, but I didn't necessarily have the tools, especially with the arts,” says Giordano. And now, she says, “It has completely transformed my teaching.”

Giordano uses the games throughout the day, in a variety of subjects. She may start her morning meeting with a game, use another to transition to math, and later in the day have students acting out characters from the class’s novel study. Because the games are integrated with content the class is already studying, playing them bolsters academics, but that’s not all: “Theater games really touch on so many different skills,” she explains. “You are getting kids to work together and collaborate, be flexible, compromise. And then independently, kids are getting up and they're taking risks and they're being brave. And as an audience, the whole community is supporting one another.”

Seventh-grade drama and movement teacher Todd Rollé has been tuned in to the benefits of theater games and improv in his middle school classroom for years. “They provide a space for teachers and students to journey together. The goal is that (students) grow more present, less armored and more comfortable in their own skins.” He notes that teachers have to be on board and willing to play as well. “Part of the reason trust gets built is because I participate alongside them. I risk alongside them. I'm vulnerable alongside them… And sometimes I feel nervous alongside them, too. And that is so important.”

To learn more about theater games that support learning, build classroom community, and develop social and emotional skills for students, check out the many articles Child’s Play NY founder Jocelyn Greene has written for Edutopia.