Children learn that confidence is communicated through the whole body, not just through words.
1. Set up the space
Place hoops around the room, with each hoop representing a different confidence level: Unconfident, Medium Confidence and Super Confident. Ask the children to line up at one side of the room.
2. Show the children how it works
Demonstrate how someone might act in each hoop using their body language, posture, facial expression, eye contact and voice. Show how these can change depending on how confident someone feels.
3. Take turns
Invite the children to step into each hoop one at a time and act out the different confidence levels. Encourage them to think about how they stand, move, look at others and use their voice.
4. Encourage and observe
Celebrate the children's efforts and encourage everyone to watch and listen respectfully. Once they have had their turn, the children can sit down and observe the others.
This activity works best when children feel supported and safe to experiment. Emphasise that confidence can be shown through posture, eye contact, and movement as much as through speaking. Encourage exaggerated choices to help children physically understand the differences between each confidence level.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
