Developing the yes, and classroom

[Michael Burns]

In this workshop, we looked at ways that I have applied improv in the classroom in a residential treatment center for adolescent girls. One goal was to see if there were transferable ideas and experiences to working in the corporate world. (I believe that we found there were.)

We played the observation game that I came up with a while back, and discussed how this might help us find new ways to yes, and participants in trainings. We talked about looking for the places where peer communication is unfettered and provides good feeling--in the case of my classroom, the paper-covered tables serving as a sort of facebook for the students. We examined a couple of Aesop's fables, finding the "yes buts", and replacing them with "yes, ands".

We also briefly discussed status messages and intentionally mixed messages in training settings.

I learned a lot. I hope you did too! Thanks to all who participated for some great additions to the Powerpoint slides!

[Rich Cox]

I loved this session. I echo the points that Patrick mentioned as standouts for me also. I am also fascinated by the Aesops fables.

We covered the "bell the cat" one fairly well. What was the second one that we mentioned? I want to go back and read that one.

Here is one online archive of them I found.
http://aesopfables.com/

There is also as set of lesson plans:
http://www.aesopfables.com/lessons.html

Perhaps we can share the meta-lesson plan for improv-style yes,but to yes, teaching.

[Michael Burns]

"The bat and the birds" is one title for it...obviously the same basic story can be found in more than one form...Thanks for the link!

[Rich Cox]

Thanks got it!

Also, I forgot to mention. I really love what you shared about your art table. From the previous art teacher repeating "Keep the table clean" to becoming a social hub and artistic expression of love and connection. It's amazing.

-R

[Patrick Short]

I enjoyed this session very much.

We will be doing an in house workshop, sort of an improv 101, marketed solely to teachers. And many of the ideas here will be useful. They will also tie in to the personal coaching thing.

I loved the table/paper/graffiti wall idea.

I loved the powerpoint that is actually an empty screen.

The observation game will be useful. Aesop, here I come, looking for your bad examples.

Talk to you soon!