In this game, students give each other gifts, those gifts becoming more and more outrageous as the game continues.

Grade Range/Level

Elementary 5-8 (5 to 10 minutes)

Pre-requisite Knowledge

Some improvisation experience would be an asset for this game.

Focus

This exercise encourages language improvisation and the use of imagination (the more outrageous and whimsical the better). This activity is best done in pairs, but could be done in a circle with each person taking a turn.

Materials and Resources

A safe space where students can make a little noise and not be interrupted.

Special Notes

Although this activity is a lot of fun, it may be worthwhile to review some basic common sense drama rules before playing (e.g., be prepared to stop when the teacher needs your attention, etc....). Not all students may be ready to participate but certainly will listen intently to others’ dialogues.

Instructions

This is an improvisational activity that works best with two students.

  • Two students are selected and face one another in front of the class.They are in neutral position, and are ready to improvise!
  • The activity begins when one student offers the other a gift.  Initially,the gift is something small (perhaps odd), but not outrageous. The gift is mimed, and the following dialogue example is an appropriate starting point:

a. Hi Sally, I know it’s your birthday next month, so I bought you a little gift. It’s a paper clip...

b. Oh, thanks! Well, this is a coincidence, because I got you a gift to celebrate the weather. It’s a broken watch.

  • As the activity progresses, the gifts become more and more outrageous. The challenge is to see how long students can keep up the flow and continue to hand gifts back and forth:

a. A broken watch! Terrific! I’ve always wanted one of those. Well, I think I may as well give you the gift I was saving for next summer. It’s a pet dragon.

b. Wow, that’s great. I love dragons. Here, this is for you: it’s a smashed pumpkin from last Halloween.

a. Oh how amazing! I like the flies it comes with. Take this, I insist, it’s a flat tire from my old bike.

b. You shouldn’t have gone to all that expense. Here’s another gift for you, it’s my empty coffee cup from breakfast.

Of course, this activity is endless, but it’s a lot of fun, and a nice way to warm up for more improvisation work.