Would You Rather?

Child development / Drama games / Would you rather

This is an energetic game where children choose between two options by running to Stage Left or Stage Right.

The Would You Rather? game gets children moving, thinking quickly and playfully sharing opinions while reinforcing stage directions and listening to others.

This activity builds confidence, communication skills and respect for different ideas.

How to play

1. Set the stage

Ask the children to stand with you in the centre of the room.

Remind them which side of the space is Stage Left and which is Stage Right.

2. Give choices

Offer the group two opposing options (some ideas are listed below!).

If they choose option A, they run to Stage Left. If they choose option B, they run to Stage Right.

3. Sample prompts

Options to decide between include:

Dogs (SL) or Cats (SR)
Sweet (SL) or Savoury (SR)
Cinema (SL) or TV (SR)
Swimming (SL) or Skiing (SR)
Singing (SL) or Dancing (SR)

3. Add discussion

After each round, play the role of a news reporter.

Interview one child from each side and ask, "Why did you choose that?"

Encourage children to explain their ideas clearly and respectfully.

What it teaches

Opinion-sharing and active listening
Confidence in speaking
Spatial awareness
Respect for differing ideas

Variations to try

Add trickier moral questions (e.g., "Is it okay to tell a lie to protect someone's feelings?")
Let children create their own either/or scenarios
Time challenge: introduce a countdown timer to add energy

Principal's notes

This game is a great introduction to sharing views with confidence. It encourages debate in a fun and physical way, while getting children moving and thinking at the same time

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.