Rules of Inspired Teaching Improv

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By Aleta Margolis , Founder and President

Tomorrow we will begin our Teaching with Improvisation Institute in Washington, DC.?Research shows?that teachers trained in the skills of improvisation are well-equipped to handle the rapidly changing nature of what’s happening in schools. Better yet,?classrooms steeped in an improvisational mindset?foster the kinds of engagement and feelings of belonging essential to school connectedness.?

Today we’re sharing the Rules of Inspired Teaching Improv. They outline an approach to teaching and learning that you can practice this summer. They also map beautifully to our?5 Core Elements!

Rules of Inspired Teaching Improv

?Respect what others create. (Mutual Respect)?

• Assume positive intent.
• Look for their aspirations and contributions.

Say “Yes! And…” (Student As Expert)

• Agree. Then build, don’t block.
• Listen fully. Allow yourself to be changed by what you hear.

Know your Goal. (Purpose, Persistence, and Action)

• Stay laser-focused on where you want to go, but flexible in how you get there.
• Be present so you know what to do next.?

Play big. (Joy)?

• Allow your imagination to guide you.
• Prioritize joy.

Embrace mistakes. (Wide-Ranging Evidence of Student Learning)?

• Practice failure.
• Seek opportunities to learn from what goes wrong.??

Click here for a downloadable poster of these rules!

What might the weeks ahead look like if you hold these rules as your guide? How might they change your relationships with others? How might they change your approach to problem-solving? Next week I look forward to sharing what our Fellows learn as they apply these rules in the Institute.?May the week ahead bring you many opportunities to improvise!

Resources

We’ve compiled a set of activities you can try this summer to practice improvisational thinking. Remember the rules when you’re trying these out, and invite friends and family to play along!?

Seven Bikes

This activity combines observation and inquiry as learners exercise their imaginations to find multiple answers to the same question.

Automatic Writing

One way to stimulate our imaginations is to relax and let our minds flow uninterrupted. Automatic writing gives our minds the space to do just that.?

What Stories are Hiding in the Junk Drawer?

In this writing activity students find inspiration for stories in the random objects we stash in pockets, bags, and junk drawers.