Drama · Movement
Freeze frame a saying
In small groups, make three still pictures with your bodies that show a saying in action: before, during and after.
- 25 minutes
- Small group
- Ages 7–9, Ages 9–12
- Classroom
- Printable: planning sheet
What to do
- Clear a space and make groups of three to five. Give each group one saying, and keep it secret from the others.
- Each group thinks of an everyday moment that shows their saying: at school, at home or with friends.
- They plan three freeze frames: one before, one during and one after. Everyone in the group is in each picture.
- Give them ten minutes to plan and practise. Remind them that frozen means still and silent.
- Each group shows its three frames. Say "freeze" for each one and count to five.
- The audience guesses which saying it was, then the group explains their moment.
Questions to talk about
- What did the faces and bodies show without any words?
- Which frame showed the saying most clearly?
You will need
- Space to move: push tables back if needed
- A slip of paper for each group with one saying and its meaning
Make it fit
Simpler: Make one freeze frame instead of three, and give each group a situation as well as the saying.
More of a stretch: Tap a frozen person on the shoulder. They say one sentence about what their character is thinking.
Sayings used
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The planning sheet
Freeze frame a saying
Name
Plan your three still pictures. Draw stick figures to show where everyone stands.
The instructions card
How to run it · Drama · Movement
Freeze frame a saying
In small groups, make three still pictures with your bodies that show a saying in action: before, during and after.
25 minutesSmall groupAges 7–9, Ages 9–12
What to do
- Clear a space and make groups of three to five. Give each group one saying, and keep it secret from the others.
- Each group thinks of an everyday moment that shows their saying: at school, at home or with friends.
- They plan three freeze frames: one before, one during and one after. Everyone in the group is in each picture.
- Give them ten minutes to plan and practise. Remind them that frozen means still and silent.
- Each group shows its three frames. Say "freeze" for each one and count to five.
- The audience guesses which saying it was, then the group explains their moment.
You will need
- Space to move: push tables back if needed
- A slip of paper for each group with one saying and its meaning
Talk about
- What did the faces and bodies show without any words?
- Which frame showed the saying most clearly?
Make it fit
Simpler: Make one freeze frame instead of three, and give each group a situation as well as the saying.
Stretch: Tap a frozen person on the shoulder. They say one sentence about what their character is thinking.
Goes with the printable planning sheet.