Imaginative Play
Grades 3-5
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Act It Out!
Age Group
Ages 9-11
Session Intention
Children create scenes and perform short stories using dice, prompt cards, and props.
Materials Needed
• Rolling Tales (2)
• Why Connect (2)
• Smart Sticks - India (1)
• Smart Sticks - Scavenger (1)
• Hand Puppets sets (1)
• Finger Puppets Family (1)
• Doctor set (2)
• Fruits and vegetables (2)
• Kitchen Set (2)
Classroom Arrangement
1. Form groups of 4-6 from nearby benches.
2. Each group gets: 3 Rolling Tales dice, 3-4 random Smart Sticks, 3-4 random Why Connect cards, and 1 prop (doctors set, puppets etc.)
3. Groups work at benches or space between the benches.
4. They can perform their skits in front of the class.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: One-word Stories (3-4 min)
1. One person starts the story with a single word.
2. Going clockwise, each player adds one word to continue the sentence.
3. Continue until the story feels complete or a set time is up.
NORMS (30 seconds):
1. Share the cards and dice.
2. Take turns.
3. Respect each other's ideas.
4. Look after the materials.
More Pep-up Options
1. Story circle
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
GETTING GROUPS STARTED:
1. Give each group 3 Rolling Tales dice, 3-4 random Smart Sticks, 3-4 random Why Connect cards, and 1 prop (doctors set, puppets etc.)
2. Ask them to use the dice, sticks and why connect cards to come up with a random story and use the props to create a skit with the story. Explain how to use each material if needed
HOW TO USE THE MATERIALS:
- ROLLING TALES: Roll the dice. The images you land on MUST appear in your story.
- SMART STICKS INDIA: The information on the stick is your setting or a character.
- SMART STICKS SCAVENGER: Find or mime that object in your skit.
- WHY CONNECT: Images on the cards must be in your story.
3. Tell them that each person in their group will play a character in the story.
4. Remind them to do their best acting.
5. Tell the groups they have 10 minutes to come up with the story and then perform the skit for the whole class.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Watch each group for a couple of minutes. Do not interrupt the discussion.
2. Call out time remaining.
3. After 10 minutes, invite the group that is ready to come in the front and act out their skit
4. Encourage children to speak in character rather than narrate.
5. Appreciate all groups.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. Story stops - have them draw a new card or suggest alternatives.
2. A group is talking, not acting - Show me, don't tell me.
3. One child dominating - You only speak when another character asks you something.
What You May Notice
1. Children at this age can create elaborate stories quickly. Give them enough time.
2. Some will perform for the audience even when not asked. That is great - let them.
3. Some skits may be funny - let children laugh and enjoy.
3. You may see real-life situations played out. Be aware, but do not over-interpret.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Each group shares one highlight from their story in 30 seconds.
2. Pack up cards, dice, and props.
3. Ask - What surprised you about your story today?
Try Next Time
1. Let children create their own scenario and give them to other groups.
2. Introduce more complex roles: a villain, a secret keeper, a bystander.
3. Ask groups to perform another group's story.