Definition
Children take on a role within a given context and, in pairs, they sit back to back (providing they do not have a hearing impairment) and have a conversation via imaginary telephones/ headsets/earpieces. This is an improvised role play which focuses solely on their voices to create the scene and explore emotions. This will encourage them to focus on their voices and will develop their communication skills.
Purpose
- To rehearse the sequence of the story
- To explore motives and opinions of characters
- To empathise with characters/situation
- To practise explaining (For example, a science concept, historical details or geographical information)
Example
The three little pigs have constructed their homes and they are calling their mother to explain what happened to each house. The third pig might have strong opinions about which was the best material to use. The conversation might run something like this:
Hello Mother
Hello Peter, how did you get on with your houses?
Oh I have lots to tell you! Percy’s house was useless.
Why what did he use?
He chose straw, Mother! Can you imagine?
But straw can be very warm and cosy. What’s wrong with straw?
Straw is just not very strong! When the wolf came along he blew Percy’s house down!
A WOLF?
Yes Mother a wolf.
Is Percy alright? Oh my ears and whiskers. Did the wolf gobble him up?
No Mother, he’s fine. He ran over to my house which is built of something much stronger…
