Building 21st Century Skills in Kids and Teens through Applied Improvisation: The KidScape Productions Approach

The blog post highlights the importance of developing 21st century skills in kids and teens, and how KidScape Productions uses Applied Improvisation to foster communication, collaboration, creativity, and a Growth Mindset. The post emphasizes the effectiveness of play-based approaches and the importance of full-body learning, encouraging schools and organizations to explore KidScape Productions’ programs.

The 21st century has brought with it new challenges and opportunities, and a set of skills that are critical for success in this rapidly changing world. These skills, known as 21st century skills, include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. They are essential for navigating complex challenges, adapting to new situations, and thriving in a rapidly changing world.

The origins of 21st century skills can be traced back to the educational state standards that were first established in the United States in the 1990s. These standards emphasized the importance of preparing students for the demands of the 21st century, and identified a set of skills that were necessary for success.

One way to develop 21st century skills in kids and teens is through Applied Improvisation. Applied Improvisation is a form of play that involves the spontaneous creation of new ideas, behaviors, and expressions. It has its roots in the work of Viola Spolin, who developed a series of improvisational games and exercises in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, Applied Improvisation is used by companies like Google, Pixar, and IBM to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation in their employees.

At KidScape Productions, we have been using Applied Improvisation to develop 21st century skills in kids and teens since 1999. We believe that fun, curiosity, and engagement are essential components of learning, and that play-based approaches can be incredibly effective in developing the social-emotional skills that are critical for success in life.

One of the key benefits of Applied Improvisation is that it helps kids and teens develop a Growth Mindset. By emphasizing the importance of taking risks, adapting to new situations, and learning from failure, Applied Improvisation helps participants develop a positive attitude towards learning and growth.

Another way that Applied Improvisation supports the development of 21st century skills is by fostering communication, creativity, and collaboration. Through a variety of improvisational games and exercises, participants learn to listen actively, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others to achieve a common goal. This helps them to develop the communication and collaboration skills they need to succeed in school, work, and life.

KidScape Productions is clear in not infusing morals and values, and we do not tell kids and teens what to think. Instead, we use evidence and play-based approaches to support how they say what they think, increasing communication, collaboration, creativity, a Growth Mindset, social-emotional skills, and confidence in presenting themselves.

The science behind fun, curiosity, and engagement is clear. Studies have shown that full-body learning and play-based approaches can be incredibly effective in helping kids and teens develop the skills they need to succeed. For example, social neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman has found that play-based approaches are essential for building a healthy brain and developing strong social skills.

In conclusion, Applied Improvisation is a powerful tool for developing 21st century skills in kids and teens. KidScape Productions has been using Applied Improvisation to foster communication, collaboration, creativity, and a Growth Mindset since 1999. Whether in person or virtually, we are available to work with schools and organizations to help kids and teens develop the skills they need to succeed in life. For more information visit www.KidScapeProductions.com Large and small group instruction during or after school as well as private coaching and out-of-school time camps and workshops: In-person and virtual options.