Build your improvisation muscles

Often, I start a writer’s workshop with the question, “Who has found themselves staring at a blank page, not sure what to write?” In nearly every classroom, at every age level, hands spring into the air. The way to avoid the blank page problem is to practice improvisation. Improv is all about creating something out of thin air.

Here’s a playful activity that will help you (and your young writers) build your improvisation muscles.

1. While you’re out and about, stop for a moment and take a look around.
2. Each player should choose something in eyesight that could be a magical doorway. Many objects might be a doorway: a clock, a music box, a painting, or even an abandoned shoe.
3. As you continue on your way, each player should share a few details about the magical doorway he or she has chosen. How do you go through? What is immediately on the other side? What kinds of adventures can you have in the world on the other side? How do you return home?