Balancing Instructions and Activity

Balancing Instructions and Activity
Balancing the instructions and activities are hard. I think where they really grow and learn are the activities so I want to do a lot of them. On the other hand it is important that the students know when and how to use each of the techniques they apply in the games, which is where the instruction comes in. We have found the balance between activities and instruction usually is in having more time for activities but explaining the importance of the activity before we do it for a couple of minutes and asking the students how it applies to acting and life after. These breaks of instruction also help the students focus and have a break to breath preparing them for the next part of the activity. We also get to see the students progress faster than when we were when we were having them do a few activities right in a row. I think because they understand the importance of the activities and the things they are learning from them, they are more willing to fully participate. Also giving them the instruction between activities makes it easier for them to remember everything because it is less overwhelming. This is the best way I have found to balance instruction and activity so far and it seems to be working great.