Voice Projection Burst Warm-Up

Time: 5 minutes
Objective: Warm up students’ voices and practice clear, confident projection through breath control and articulation exercises.

Materials:

• Open performance space

Instructions:

1. Breathing Warm-Up (1 minute):
   - Have students stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
   - Lead them to inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold for 1, then exhale for 4 counts. Repeat twice.
   
   2. Projection Practice (3 minutes):
   - Explain that “projection” means speaking loudly and clearly so everyone can hear you.
   - Model saying a simple word (e.g., “Hello!”) from your “fingertips” as if throwing your voice to the back wall.
   - Invite the class to echo you, focusing on strong posture (shoulders back, chest open).
   - Repeat with fun words or short phrases (e.g., “The show begins!”, “Welcome!”), encouraging students to vary volume but maintain clarity.

2. Partner Feedback (1 minute):
   - Pair students up and have them take turns projecting a word while their partner stands at the back of the room and gives a thumbs-up if they can hear clearly or a thumbs-down otherwise.
   - Circulate to coach posture and articulation.

Teacher Notes:

• Move around the room to listen and offer quick tips (“Chin up,” “Speak from your diaphragm,” “Make each syllable clear”).
• Keep energy high and positive: celebrate strong projections!

Accommodations:

• Provide quieter students with a visual cue (e.g., raise a card) to prompt projection practice.
  - Allow students with voice sensitivities to practice at a comfortable volume while focusing on breath control.

Statues in Motion Challenge

Time: 10 minutes
Objective: Use stillness and body language to explore emotion and storytelling through silent tableaux.

Materials:

• Open performance space
• Optional props (scarves, hats)
  
  Instructions:

1. Pair Up (1 minute): Students find a partner and clear space around them.
   
   2. Partner A Creates a Statue (4 minutes): Partner A gently positions Partner B into a silent statue portraying an emotion or simple scene (e.g., excitement, surprise, a bustling market). Encourage expressive faces and clear body lines.
   
   3. Observation & Guessing (2 minutes): Invite 2–3 pairs to freeze in their statue. The class watches and guesses the emotion or scenario being shown.
   
   4. Swap Roles (3 minutes): Partners switch: now Partner B sculpts Partner A into a new statue.
   
   Teacher Notes:

• Model one example with a volunteer, exaggerating expression and form.
• Remind students to use gentle touch and respect personal space.
• Highlight how props can enhance a tableau but aren’t required—focus on strong silhouettes and clear intent.
  
  Accommodations:
• Students with limited mobility can serve as narrators: they describe their partner’s statue while the partner poses.
• Provide picture cards of emotions or simple scenes for students who benefit from visual cues.

Reflection Circle

Time: 10 minutes
Objective: Encourage students to reflect on their learning and share experiences in a supportive environment.

Instructions:

• Have students sit in a circle and pass a talking piece (or imaginary object).
• Remind students to listen respectfully and give positive feedback.
• Offer drawing or writing time for those who prefer not to speak.

Prompts:

1. What was your favorite moment today and why?
   
   
   
2. How did your group work together to tell a story?
   
   
   
3. What new skill did you learn in today’s lesson?
   
   
   
4. How do you feel about performing on stage?
   
   
   

Encourage peers to respond with phrases like “I liked how you…” or “I noticed that…” when it’s their turn to listen.