How do I teach young kids the basics of improv and get them playing together?
I recently started teaching acting classes for kids ages 9-16 years old. My classes are divided into 9-10 yo, 11-12 yo, and 13-16 yo. I've noticed that the oldest are way more comfortable with playing around with improv and they're very good at trying new things and getting out of their comfort zones. I am though struggling a lot with my younger kids. They seem to be scared to try new things and are very fixated on the fact that their minds go blank whenever it's their turn. Most of the youngest are also very focused on trying to be funny and specifically with jokes about poop, pee, and farts. I've never worked with children this young and I'm struggling to find improv games that would work for them because their attention spans are sooo short and they're clearly getting in their heads too much. I'd love some helpful tips and possible games to play with them as I'm getting very stressed out before each class because I feel like I'm not doing a good job.