What is it?
1. Brainstorm a list of verbs, activities or situations that you want your students to demonstrate and learn.
2. Have the class gather together. When you say your action, have the students act out the action. Students can speak and move in any way to portray their action.
3. You can mix up the pantomimes to include facial expressions, partner interactions, etc.
Why use it?
This provides a quick movement break during a long period of sitting that can still be content related. It feels a little silly so often encourages smiles and laughter which releases positive and stress-reducing chemicals in the body. Reviewing or acting out key terms that may be unfamiliar to students may help hands-on learners in a low risk way when everyone participates.