In every ImprovThinkers class, we cover very cool and interesting information in the following four areas:
- How to Make and Keep Friends
- Our Amazing Brains
- Dealing with Emotions
- How to Succeed and Thrive
Don’t worry. ImprovThinkers isn’t a sit-down-and-memorize-some-facts class. We are up and moving with lively improv. We slow things down with drawing and writing. And we mix things up with group challenges that bring on the creativity.
Why these four cornerstones?
First, the Brain. We ask kids to use their brains all the time, but we never tell them anything about this remarkable powerhouse. How does it take in information? How do memories get made? How does it think? When kids learn about their brains, they become “power users.” They understand why practice makes permanent, how to focus better and get past the brain’s sensory filters, and why our “new” brain is where thought and knowledge occurs. I believe learning about the brain is one of the most powerful tools we can give kids to help them unlock new dimensions of achievement and possibility.
Next, Making and Keeping Friends. While some teens are naturals at making friends, others are lonely onlookers who haven’t figured out how to make this magic happen. Yet, research is clear about the life-long benefits of friendships. At ImprovThinkers, learning the secret rules of friendships is a high priority. Knowing what to do and how to do it while practicing these steps with peers who are rooting for you can make a huge difference when it comes to developing and keeping friendships.
Our third cornerstone is Dealing with Emotions. Emotions determine the quality of our lives and middle-schoolers are at least occasionally, if not often, overwhelmed by emotions they don’t understand and can’t control. Knowing what happens in the brain when emotions are triggered helps teens gain an understanding of the effects emotions have on their lives. Using a variety of techniques, including mindfulness, cognitive re-framing, and visualization, ImprovThinkers helps teens learn how to better deal with their ever-changing emotions.
Finally, we look at How to Succeed and Thrive. Actually, we don’t just look at it, we experience it in every class. This is where improv shines. Improv is all about contributing to the action and feeling good about it. It’s about being flexible and continuing on, even during the rough spots. And improv is about experiencing joy–a deep satisfaction with yourself and with being an important part of a group. So, even though we directly examine some of the basics of success (etiquette, anyone?), our strongest tool is experiencing success through improv, and then helping teens figure out what it takes to keep that success going every day in their lives.
For more information on ImprovThinkers, contact Marie Walker, Ph.D., at 512-751-4884 or email ImprovThinkers@gmail.com.