Holiday Charades Facilitation Guide
Holiday Charades Extravaganza
Instructional Facilitation Guide
Quick Facts
Time
30 Minutes
Audience
High School (Grades 9-12)
Focus
Teamwork & Creativity
Materials
- Timer (Stopwatch or Phone)
- Printable Charades Cards
- Whiteboard & Markers
- Slide Deck (optional)
Objective
Students will collaborate in teams to act out holiday phrases, fostering non-verbal communication skills and creative expression in a supportive peer environment.
The Philosophy
High school students often navigate high-pressure social and academic environments. This activity serves as a "brain break" that builds community, encourages risk-taking without judgment, and reinforces that creativity is a collaborative process.
Lesson Flow
Start 5 min
I. Introduction & Hook
Welcome students and set the festive tone. Frame the game as a challenge in "collaborative intuition."
- Explain non-verbal communication rules (no speaking/noises).
- Divide the class into teams of 4-5.
Mins 5 min
II. Game Setup
Logistics for success. Precision in setup prevents confusion during play.
- Hand out card decks to each team.
- Designate a "Timekeeper" and "Scorekeeper" per team.
- 1 minute per round limit.
Mins 15 min
III. The Charades Showdown
Active gameplay. The teacher's role is "Master of Ceremonies" and energy-maintainer.
- Encourage high-energy supportive cheering.
- Monitor rounds to ensure fair participation.
End 5 min
IV. Decompress & Close
Reflect on the soft skills used during the game.
- Ask: "Which card was hardest and why?"
- Discuss: "How did you read your teammate's body language?"
Facilitator's Pro-Tip
If a team is struggling, allow one "pass" per game. For high schoolers, the competition is usually high, so keep the vibe light and emphasize the fun over the score.
Holiday Charades Presentation Slides
Holiday Charades
Extravaganza
Teamwork • Creativity • Communication
The Ground Rules
No Speaking
- No talking, whispering, or mouthing words.
- No sound effects or humming.
- No pointing at objects in the room.
The Clock
- 1 Minute per round.
- Teams earn 1 point per correct guess.
- Highest score at the end wins!
Standard Signals
1
"Book"
Pretend to open a book with your hands.
2
"Song/Movie"
Pretend to sing or crank an old camera.
3
"Words"
Hold up fingers to show the number of words.
4
"Shorter/Longer"
Bring hands together or pull them apart.
5
"Rhymes With"
Tug on your earlobe.
"On the Nose"
Tap your nose if they are getting close!
Ready... Set...
60 Seconds
Action!
The actor for the first team, come forward!
Post-Game Debrief
Non-Verbal Literacy
What strategies worked best to communicate complex phrases without sound?
Team Synergy
How did your team improve their guessing over the course of the rounds?
Real World Application
Where else is creative non-verbal communication important in life?
