USING DRAMA AS A TEACHING TOOL - Reeling & Writhing

Concentration games cont.
123, 123 CONT. TITLE: SQUEEZE
Stage four is a full movement dialogue with all of
the numbers substituted by simple actions.This dialogue
can go fast or slow, loud or soft. Encourage
each pair to come up with their own performance
style.
HINTS AND TIPS: It is essential that those pairs who
are asked to demonstrate their ‘dialogues’ are not
necessarily chosen because they are ‘the best in the
group’. It is encouraging for those struggling to see
‘dialogues’ from pairs who may not be coping, to
make them aware that they are not alone.This can
also encourage those who are more adept, to try
to help struggling pairs.
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LEARNING OUTCOME: This exercise helps to develop
a sense of focus and concentration amongst the
participants. It strengthens teamwork and helps to
build confidence.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY: A clear empty space
DESCRIPTION: Participants stand in a circle holding
hands, with eyes closed. One person, referred to as
(A), walks round the outside of the circle and taps
a participant, referred to as (B), on the shoulder or
back. Participant (B – the detective) must leave the
room until they are asked to return.When (B) has
left the room, (A) once again walks round the outside
of the circle and taps a participant, referred to
as (C – group leader), on the shoulder or back.
When person (A) returns to their place in the circle,
they announce to the group ‘Beware of the
squeeze, it’s coming your way!’. On hearing this, all
participants open their eyes and the group leader
(C) squeezes the hand of the person either to their
left or to their right, depending on which direction
they would like the pulse to travel. Once you feel
your hand being squeezed, you pass the squeeze on
as secretively as possible.
When the pulse has started, participant (A) invites
participant (B – the detective) back into the space.
Participant (B) stands in the middle of the circle
and tries to locate the pulse.
If participant (B) guesses incorrectly, they remain in
the circle for two more attempts. If participant (B)
guesses correctly, a new detective is chosen. This
new person must close their eyes or leave the
room whilst participant (A) taps a new group
leader on the shoulder or back. Once again, when
(A) utters the words ‘Beware of the squeeze, it’s
coming your way’, the new group leader begins a
pulse to their left or right, all eyes open and the
exercise begins again.
HINTS AND TIPS: This game should promote teamwork
and the more secretive you can persuade the
class to be with the pulse, the better. It is also possible
to start two or more pulses going – as long as
the detective knows how many pulses there are to
find.