Write a play using toys you have and characters you create.
What you’ll need: Items to use as props, toy characters - puppets, plastic figures, dolls, soft-toys that you have at home (if you don’t have any, you can draw some characters on paper or card with different characteristics and use these)
What’s it for?
This activity helps you to focus your feelings through the characters of puppets in role play. It encourages use of imagination and creativity to play out different scenarios.
Check In:
Notice how you’re feeling right now. Close your eyes and notice what’s going on inside your mind and body.
How are you feeling?
What are you thinking?
How does your body feel?
Method:
Decide on how you would like to present your role-play - perhaps have a block or a box to provide a stage for the performance
Find any toy characters that you might have around the house
If not use paper and draw some people with different attributes and backgrounds
Focus the role-play on a theme, feeling, or idea that you want to concentrate on that is meaningful to you
Prepare a script which you either write down or memorise
Request an audience (parent/carer/relatives/siblings - you can do this video calling, too) and introduce them to the ‘show’
Present your role-play and then reflect on how it felt for you and how you felt afterwards.
Extra activity:
Replay, and this time add a new ending or twist to the story and see how your audience reacts!
Ask yourself the following questions:
How did you decide on the characters for the role-play?
Did these characters have a particular meaning for you and your childhood?
Did you find it hard or easy to come up with a story theme or plot?
Did you identify yourself with any of the characters in particular within the role-play?
How did it feel at the end to create a live performance?
Conclusion:
Take a moment to notice how you are feeling at the end of this activity. Did you discover anything surprising? What can you take away to make you feel better about yourself from this activity?
If you would like to, share something about your experience with this activity with someone you live with! Ask the person who looks after you to send us an email if you have any questions or comments about the activity, or would like to send us any pictures (info@catcorner.co.uk). Don't forget to subscribe for more fun CAT activities!
Created by Sarah Kong © March 2020
Creative Art Used: Drama
Psychological Area Explored: Emotional Wellbeing, Play and Self-Exploration
These activities could be done by children of all ages, but some may need the support of their parent or carer to read the instructions or complete the activity safely.
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