Act for Health: Improvising Solutions for a Better World
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
You can find an introduction to Goal 3, as well as the Targets & Indicators, Objectives, and Action Planning Resources on the Goal overview page.
See Goal 3 Overview
- Open space for movement and improvisation
- Props: Simple objects to represent medical tools, environmental hazards, etc.
- Whiteboard or large chart paper
- Markers
- Notebooks or Paper
- Pens/Pencils
Begin by having students stand in a circle. Explain that rhythm is a fundamental part of life, found in our heartbeat, the cycles of nature, and even our daily routines. Today, as a warm up, they will explore rhythm and improvisation through body percussion.
Guide students to start with a simple, steady beat by clapping their hands. Then, encourage them to experiment with other sounds, like snapping fingers, stomping feet, patting their legs, or even vocalizations.
Choose one student to be the "conductor." They can change the rhythm, add new sounds, or introduce simple movements that the rest of the group follows. Switch leaders every 30 seconds or so, giving multiple students a chance to lead.
After the activity, facilitate a discussion about the connection between rhythm and health:
- Physical Health: How did moving your body and keeping the rhythm make you feel? Did it increase your heart rate or energy levels?
- Mental and Emotional Health: How did focusing on the rhythm and coordinating with others affect your concentration and mood? Did it create a sense of connection or joy?
- Balance and Well Being: How can finding a healthy rhythm in our daily lives contribute to our overall well being? What are some examples of healthy rhythms (regular sleep, exercise, balanced meals, etc.)?
Divide students into groups of 3-4. Each group will receive a Global Goal 3 Target.
Provide each group with scenario prompts related to their target. Examples:
[Content includes extensive scenario list for all Global Goal 3 targets - stored as rich_text for space efficiency]
Groups have 5-10 minutes to create a short scene based on their prompt, with no pre-planning.
- Have students focus on portraying the emotions and challenges of the situation.
Keep original scenario
Consider solution types
Share and discuss
- Consistent and enthusiastic involvement in all phases of the lesson, including the "Pulse of Life" warm-up, scene creation, and class discussions.
- Comprehension of Global Goal 3 and its targets and core concepts (e.g., maternal health, child survival, NCDs mental health) as demonstrated through the thematic content and character portrayal within the improvised scenes and verbal explanations.
- Originality and effectiveness in using improvisational techniques (e.g., character development, setting the scene, reacting to others, building the narrative) to explore the challenges and potential solutions related to the specific health issue.
- How clearly and powerfully the improvised scenes communicated the intended message about the health challenge and potential solutions. Did the performance successfully evoke thought or emotion in the audience?
- Ability to work effectively within the small groups, contributing ideas, respecting diverse interpretations, and collaborating cohesively to create and perform the scenes.
- How well students stepped into the shoes of different characters affected by the health issue, conveying the motivations and challenges authentically.
- Nuance and depth of understanding demonstrated in reflections, particularly concerning the human experience of health challenges and the complexities of finding solutions.
No media items yet.
More Drama Lessons
View All →Plates of Plenty: Drama for a World Without Hunger
Explore Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture through drama.
Musical Exploration
Explore Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages through musical exploration.
My Healthy Self: A Self-Portrait Journey for Global Goal 3
Explore Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages through art.