Build Confidence7 min Medium None

Yes And

Pairs build a conversation where every response starts with 'Yes, and...'

Teaches students that their ideas are always accepted — builds courage to speak.

Instructions

In pairs. One person makes a statement about anything — real or absurd. The other must respond with 'Yes, and...' adding something new. Keep going for 2 minutes without stopping. Then swap who starts. Debrief: how did it feel to never be shut down?

Classroom timer

7:00

Best used when

When students are afraid of saying the wrong thing or being judged.

Variation

Do it in a whole-group circle — each person picks up from the previous.

Time

7 min

Noise

Medium

Prep

None

Print

How did it go?

Quick evaluation — helps you find what works again.