Charades

A group communication game

• Set Up

  • Open space for everyone to see actor

• Equipment

  • List of Clues

  • Timer

• Objective

  Guess the action performed.

• Directions

  Round 1

  1. Divide the players into two teams, preferably of equal size. 

  2. Divide the slips of paper between the two teams.

  3. Select a neutral timekeeper/scorekeeper, or pick members from each team to take turns.

  4. Review the gestures and hand signals and invent any others you deem appropriate.

     • Number of words in the title: Hold up the number of fingers.

     • Which word you're working on: Hold up the number of fingers again.

     • Number of syllables in the word: Lay the number of fingers on your arm.

     • Which syllable you're working on: Lay the number of fingers on your arm again.

     • Length of word: Make a "little" or "big" sign as if you were measuring a fish.

     • "The entire concept:" sweep your arms through the air.

     • "On the nose" (i.e., someone has made a correct guess): point at your nose with one hand, while pointing at the person with your other hand.

     • "Sounds like": Cup one hand behind an ear.

  5. You can play where if the team doesn't get it in 1 minute the other team can steal the point with 1 guess.

• Variations

  • Shorter Time or longer time

  • Have players write the clues and put them in a bowl

• Coaching Points

  • Remind players not to talk when they are acting out

  • School appropriate gestures

  • We ready to whisper ideas to help performers

Reflection: Self-Management & Social Awareness

1. When acting out your clue how did you decide what to do?

2. When might you use non-verbal communication in your life?

3. Who would you like to shout out for their acting skills?