“Yes, And Then…”: How a Simple Tweak Transformed Improv with 6-Year-Olds

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Teaching improv to six different K-5 classes in a Brooklyn school has been both incredibly rewarding and uniquely challenging. As someone who lives by the “Yes, And…” mantra, both on and off stage, I found myself searching for games that truly clicked with these young minds.

The “Yes, And…” Dilemma

One of our go-to games for basic storytelling is “Yes, And…”, where participants build a story, sentence by sentence, each starting with “Yes, And…”. It’s a classic for a reason! However, in a recent class with six-year-old special needs students, “Yes, And…” simply wasn’t enough to hold their focus. I could feel their attention drifting.

The “Yes, And Then…” Breakthrough

In a snap decision, I changed the prompt. Instead of “Yes, And…”, I led them with “Yes, And Then…”. The immediate shift was remarkable. All six kids, standing side-by-side in a line, creating a story one sentence at a time, instantly became a cohesive team. They transformed into veteran actors right before my eyes.

The next class, I started with this new method as a version of a conducted story. I’d offer a few example story starters like “Once upon a time…”, “There once was a…”, or “I like chicken because…”. Then, I’d say “Yes, And Then…”. The student would immediately repeat those words back to me, then eagerly add to the story.

More Than Just a Game: Teaching Moments

Throughout the game, we find organic teaching moments. We work on listening, focus, projection, and even what it means to be a better audience. The beauty of “Yes, And Then…” is that we never lose our cool. Every correction is framed as a way to make the story better.

Suddenly, the kids grasp that they are creating something truly special and new. One by one, the entire class generally falls in line, captivated by the entertainment of it all. It’s a joy to watch them not just participate, but actively engage and build together.

This simple addition – “Then” – transformed a classic improv game into a powerful tool for connection and creativity with young students. It’s a reminder that sometimes the smallest adjustments can lead to the biggest breakthroughs.