Role Play

A structured sharing activity

Explanation The purpose of role playing is to translate knowledge into action. Understanding the gospel and its standards comes relatively easily to most people. When asked what the Lords standards are, most can recite them. Acting on these in the moment of temptation or trial is more challenging. Role play activities allow participants to practice applying their knowledge to circumstances they are likely to face in real life, and to do so in a safe setting where they are surrounded by friends and mentors who share their values, and where the Holy Ghost can teach and guide. Example Activity - My Word of Wisdom Challenge Many challenges to a participants faith and commitment will happen in a social setting, where their desire to belong confronts their desire to be faithful. Combine this activity with a structured sharing or source material activity that allows participants to learn doctrinal models, such as the work of wisdom, for making righteous choices. After participants have identified what the Lord has taught, they will then create role play scenarios to practice what they know. Ask participants to think of a time when they or someone they know were tempted to violate the word of wisdom. The instructor may provide several examples if the you cannot think of any. On a blank index card, have participants each describe who is involved, where the situation occurs, and what makes this a tempting situation (i.e. you are surrounded by friends you want to accept you; you are at a sleep-over and no adults are home). These cards will become the basis for the role play activity. Have participants stand up and pass their index cards around the room randomly for three minutes, until the cards are all mixed up among participants. If someone ends up with their own card, simply have them exchange it with another person. Have participants form pairs and take turns role playing each of the cards they have, using the doctrinal model they have learned earlier in the lesson to guide their responses. Summary Role Playing is another example of a frame activity. The content is interchangeable. This activity allows participants to convert their knowledge into action in a setting that is relevant to them. While the doctrinal models are universal, the challenges participants face are often very localized. By creating scenarios for their own lives, they connect the doctrine with challenges relevant to them. This also allows the lesson to be personalized regardless of the geographic setting.

adapted from Frame Games by Dr. Sivasailam Thiagi Thiagarajan