Machines

Students work in groups of 4/5. The aim is for the students to create the shape of a machine using their bodies, with each person being a different part.

There are two ways to do this activity.

1. Give each group a different machine, or they can decide themselves. On go the teacher counts to 10, or waits a designated time, then calls freeze. No more moving or talking.Groups try to guess what other groups have done. You may want to make it a competition and award points. You might give 30 seconds planning time then the machine is created in silence. 

2. Have the students number off 1-4/5. The teacher gives the machine, then calls out a number. This numbered student becomes the first component of the machine for their group. As each number is called the students add to what has already been done, until all numbers have been called. Positions are not to be changed and there's no talking. 

NOTE

The no talking is important in the second method. It pushes students to think for themselves and not have one person take control. This Theatre Sports activity is great for teamwork, focus and thinking on your feet.

Variations to add in: A movement and/or a sound that matches.

Possible machines:

television/toaster/sprinkler/digger/sewing machine/treadmill/motorbike

washing machine/crane/car/bulldozer/computer/bus/microwave/record player

NOTE

It is important the students remember they are the machine - not a person using the machine. So there should be no drivers in cars, just seats!

OR - The teacher give the entire class a place, roles or situation. Gives them a time frame or counts down while they have their back turned. What can the teacher recognise?

OR - Same as above but the class decides on a place or situation.