Minimum number of participants: 4
Resources needed:
Three lists: one with characters, one with settings, and one with objects Instructions:
Create three lists with the suggestions below or come up with your own.
On the first is a variety of characters .
Here are some suggestions: • Shrek • Cinderella • The Troll (from Three Billy Goats Gruff) • Snow White • The Wicked Queen • The Bad Fairy (from Sleeping Beauty) • Gingerbread Man • The Wicked Wolf • Buzz Lightyear • Dora the Explorer • Peppa Pig • Mickey Mouse • Little Bo Peep • Pinocchio • Jack (from Jack and Jill) • Jill • The Beast (From Beauty and the Beast) • Little Miss Muffet • One of the Three Little Pigs • Prince Charming • Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk) • Ugly Duckling • Fairy Godmother
The second list is a variety of places. Here are some suggestions: • A castle • A dragon’s cave • A haunted house • A jail cell • A superhero’s house • A dark forest • A stolen ship • A wolf’s den • A dungeon
The final list is a variety of magical objects. Here are some suggestions: • Magical wand • Magic beans • Magic kisses • A genie • Magical dust • Magic ring • Magic potions • Magic carpets • Magic lamps • Magic swords • Cloak of invisibility
Divide the students into groups of three of four and have each child choose a character. When they have chosen their characters, each group must choose one setting and one magical item. They can pick these randomly out of a hat or can choose from the list, whichever the leader prefers. In their groups, they make up a story with their chosen characters, setting and magical object. If they are more advanced, they can do an improvisation based on what they have chosen.
Related: drama techniques for teachers. Further reading: improvisation.
