Imaginarium

Age: 5 years +
Players: Whole Group
Time: 5-15 minutes
Tags: #Creativity #Improvisation

An amusing and unpredictable way to quickly brainstorm ideas.

Invite the players to stand in a circle, then announce your chosen theme. One person steps forward and makes the shape of an object or character linked to the theme. As well as making the shape, the player announces what she is (for example, if the theme is the beach, she can say “I’m a deck chair” or “I am a starfish”).

Other players think of objects or characters related to ones that are already there. As they enter, they announce what they are: beach ball, ice-cream, wave, sun, shark, swimmer. Everyone holds their positions. The game ends when all players have stepped in or when enough ideas have been added. At this point the teacher says “Whoosh!” and players step back to the edge of the circle.

Director’s Tips

• Add one idea at a time to keep the game focussed.
• Don’t plan in advance, but just keep throwing in ideas.
• Ask players to add an adjective to describe what they are.
• Can your character or object link to others?
• Use different levels (high, medium or low).
• Two or more players can step in at the same time to make an object together.
• The director can say “Action!” – then everyone brings the scene alive for a few moments.
• Create a soundscape with the characters and objects.
• Use thought-tracking to find out what characters/objects are thinking.
• Use the game to revise a topic, create ideas for writing a poem or test comprehension of a story or play.
• Take photos for future reference.
• If you have a large group, it’s not necessary for everybody to step in – in fact it’s nice to have an audience. Those who didn’t take part can be the first to play in the next game.