Freeze Tag/Complete the Image

This is a basic drama game that we use in my class all the time.  It is one of the core building blocks for language development and is suited for multi level classes. We play it at the beginning of class it for about 5 minutes 2-3 times every week.  There are many versions of this game, but the one I like, that seems to work well with my students, goes like this:

Two actors get into the front of the class (or if you can the center of a circle).  

They shake hands and freeze, creating a tableau.

I then ask students that are newer to English what they notice (eliciting the body parts involved (hands) and the action (shaking).  For more advanced students you can ask questions like:  Who are they?  What is their relationship? Why are they shaking hands?  

Then I ask another student to "tag" on of the performers (call it performer A)  and replace s/he by changing their position, while  the other performer (B) maintains the shaking hands position.  This elicits a new story or relationship.  

I continue with questioning that is appropriate for the level of the class, encouraging story development from the most advanced students, and simple observations from my true beginners.  I can add a drama technique called “Thought Bubble” and ask, what might this “character” be thinking. Or, one could ask what dialogue might be exist between these two “characters.” In addition, I have asked groups of 4 to take one of the frozen moments from our 10 minute exercise, and working in pairs, develop two scenes, thought bubbles, or dialogue. As always, the possibilities are endless.