Improvisation —
Acting It Out Instead of Acting Up!
By Lindsay Brill, MBA English and Special Education
TMH Associate Director of School Programs
Improvisation, or acting without preparation, is fun and engaging for children and adults in every stage of life. Improv encourages spontaneity and cooperation which leads to the enhancement of social and emotional skills. Below are 9-Ways in which improv can specifically improve SEL skills.
1) Pride and Self-Esteem
The act of performing in front of an audience, no matter how big or small, can help participants learn to be more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Similarly, participating in improv activities can lead to a sense of accomplishment and pride in one's abilities. Further, improv can foster a sense of belonging and community within a group, which can contribute to increased pride and self esteem.
2) Problem Solving
Improv asks participants to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to challenges or obstacles that arise. Improvisers have to devise new ideas on the spot, under time pressure. This problem solving is generally done as a group, which is great practice for learning to work effectively with others to find solutions to problems.
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