It supports creativity, confidence, and expressive movement, while gently introducing the idea of future aspirations.
1. Set the scene
Sit with the children in a circle and say: "I've got a magic box with me today!"
2. Bring the box to life
Make a big deal of the imaginary box. Ask: "What does it look like?"
Is it big or small? Heavy or light? Sparkly or plain?
3. Show how it works
Pretend to open the box and pull out an imaginary object. Mime how you would use it and ask: "What do you think it is?"
4. Link it to a job
Once they've guessed, ask: "Who might use this in their job?"
For example, a hairbrush could belong to a hairdresser, or a hammer to a builder.
5. Take turns
Invite the children, one at a time, to come to the magic box. They can pull out their own imaginary object and mime how it's used.
6. Imagine and celebrate
Encourage each child to choose an object linked to a job they'd like to do when they grow up. Let the group guess, then celebrate their ideas and creativity.
The success of this game relies on clear modelling at the start. Make your first object exaggerated and playful, so children understand that mime is the focus rather than accuracy. Encourage effort over correctness and celebrate inventive ideas. If children struggle to link objects to jobs, gently scaffold with suggestions without taking over their ideas.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
