This is why improvisation works in the classroom: To be an improviser (and this is true of improvisers who perform on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” or “Saturday Night Live”) they have very similar skills to what we want kids to see. For example, meaningful study of improvisation requires discipline, collaboration, social interaction, copious practice, critical thinking skills, analytical thinking skills, intuitive thinking skills, and also creative thinking skills. These are the kinds of skills that we want our kids to possess. Improvisation is the ideal pedagogical approach or strategy for teaching and learning due to its inherent structure and flexibility.

Watch this brief video to learn more about using improvisation in the classroom and see “Yes…and for the Classroom, Sample Improv Games”  for descriptions of sample games and how to use them with your students.