In this drama game, give each student a card with the name of an animal or whisper its name into his ear. Choose animals with readily identifiable noises such as "moo" or "oink." Assemble your class in a circle. Ask them to close their eyes and make their animal sound on the count of three. They are then to congregate in groups with other students who make the same noise. This activity enhances hearing skills and self-expression.
Pick a student's name out of a hat. The chosen student must take a random index card from a deck that has been prepared in advance by the teacher. A topic or keyword is written on each of these cards. The student must give an impromptu speech on the card's subject for one minute in front of the class. This activity not only allows a review of topics previously discussed in class but helps students think on their feet and improve their oral presentation skills.
The students sit in a circle and try to guess a secret word. The teacher offers the class a clue by mentioning a word that rhymes with the one to be guessed. For instance, tell the class "I am thinking of a word that rhymes with bat." The secret word, in that case, could be "cat." Rather than yelling out the answer, students must take it in turns to pantomime their guesses in the circle while another student tries to come up with the word being mimed. If the guess is right, the teacher starts another round of the game. If not, another student volunteers to mime the word. The round continues until someone comes up with the correct answer. This activity helps students develop valuable articulation skills as well as overcome excessive shyness.
In this popular activity, students are paired up and face each other about 3 feet apart. One plays the "leader." The other plays the "mirror." The mirror must replicate the leader's movement perfectly. For instance, if the leader raises his left hand, the mirror raises her right just like in an actual reflection. This burden of success does not rely as much on the "mirror" as on both players who must learn how to coordinate their physical movements. This exercise is an excellent way for students to learn cooperation and interpersonal skills.