Ever since I learned about the activity Freeze Frame from a TPRS training I have been thinking of how I can use it in the language classroom. I have used it several times with different learning objectives in mind. Each time the students loved it and were totally engaged.
This is one of those activities to use sparingly because the novelty of it can wear off quickly. I only use it once a unit max. However, you can use it more often if it works for you and your students.
What is Freeze Frame?
Freeze Frame is a review activity that is used after a story. Students recreate scenes from the story and freeze into position while the photographer takes a picture. The picture is sent to the teacher who projects the photo to use for discussion.
When can I use Freeze Frame?
Freeze Frame can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas.
- After a story to recreate a scene and discuss
- To teach vocabulary like clothing and physical appearance
- To review content like exterior of the home, colors, or numbers
- Practice question asking and answering
How to use Freeze Frame in your classroom
First, determine how you want to use it. After a story, this is how you can set it up.
- Select scenes or parts of the story you want students to recreate and discuss.
- Determine how many cast members you will need to depict the scenes.
- Place the students in groups with the number of people needed plus 1 for the photographer.
- Sign the scene information to the class then give them one minute to get posed and snap a picture.
- The photographer will snap the picture and then email it to the teacher.
- Continue this until all f the scenes have been completed.
- Select a photo that has been sent to the teacher and project it.
- Use the photo to retell the story, teach vocabulary, or use it for questions and answers.
What students will do
Once scenes have been photographed and sent, students will return to their learning space and be involved in a class conversation. The teacher can ask questions about the image and students will answer and discuss.
A Fun Twist
I love to pair Freeze Frame with visual memory. I follow the rules of Freeze Frame but I save one image for the end. I pop the image up and tell students to study it for two minutes. After two minutes are up, remove the image and test students’ memory by asking questions about the photo. See how much they can answer.
When looking for more information on Freeze Frame, I stumbled upon a post from the Comprehensible Classroom. There are links to other ideas in the post so you can expand your ideas.
Do you love the ideas and activities shared with you on the blog? Did you know that all of these activities are used in the Creative ASL Teaching Curriculum? Try it in your own classroom to save time, engage students, and make planning a breeze.
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