This improvisation game helps your child explore how different attitudes can change the way a conversation feels.
By trying both blocking and building on ideas, they can see how positive responses make it easier to communicate, cooperate, and keep a conversation going.
1. Choose who goes first
Decide who will start the conversation. You can play with your child or, if you have more than one child, they can play together.
2. Explain the first round
In the first conversation, one person must reject or block every suggestion.
3. Begin the scene
Start with simple suggestions such as:
4. Explore negative responses
The second child must always disagree or refuse.
5. Discuss the atmosphere
Pause and ask your child how the conversation felt.
6. Begin the positive round
Repeat the improvisation, but this time both of you should accept and build on each other's ideas.
For example:
7. Compare the scenes
Talk about which conversation felt more enjoyable and cooperative, and why.
This activity clearly demonstrates how supportive communication creates stronger conversations and teamwork. Encourage children to notice the emotional difference between blocking ideas and building on them positively. The game also introduces an important improvisation skill: accepting and developing offers.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
