The Switch
Many students have trouble correctly identifying emotions. Playing The Switch can help!
Here’s how it works:
1. Divide the group into pairs or small groups. Assign one to be the "Performer" and the other to be the "Emotion Director."
2. The Performer begins by performing (or pantomiming) a monologue or improv scenario. At any point during the scene, the Emotion Director calls out for the Performer to switch to a different emotion. The Performer's goal is to seamlessly switch to the new emotion and continue the scene without breaking character. (If needed, use the Emotion Choice board!)
3. After each round, discuss the Performer's ability to switch between emotions effectively. Discuss body language, posture, and voice. Consider less obvious ways the emotion can present itself, too. Rotate roles and continue the game.
Level Down:
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Visual Emotion Cards: Create a set of visual emotion cards with simple, clear images depicting different emotions (e.g., happy, sad, angry, surprised). Each pair or group can have a set of these cards. The Emotion Director can then show the emotion card to the Performer when they want them to switch emotions. This visual cue makes it easier for students to understand and respond to the game's dynamics.
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Simplified Scenarios: Use short, relatable, and straightforward situations or actions (ex. waving hello, blowing out candles, showing excitement when receiving a gift). This simplification ensures the students can more easily grasp the context and emotions they must convey.
Level Up:
- Advanced Emotions: Introduce more nuanced emotions (e.g. confusion, jealousy, determination, sarcasm). This will require the Performers to delve deeper into their acting skills and adapt to a wider range of emotional states.
- Multiple Emotion Directors: Assign multiple Emotion Directors who can call out emotions simultaneously or in rapid succession. This adds to the challenge of greater unpredictability and quick decision-making.
This activity can help students explore emotions, develop self-management, and improve their emotional range. Teaching music? Try this activity, but replace the monologue with a short song instead. Teaching dance? Replace with a dance sequence.
