Real-plays, otherwise known as role-plays in sessions I facilitate are ways to share a "tricky" situation. In general, people tend to be hesitant and I get a couple of "what the !?**" looks when I preface what we're getting up to. After many years of incorporating real-plays into sessions, I can tell you a couple of things:
Real-plays:
incorporate social emotional learning's benefit of being able to take another's perspective and grow in understanding and empathy, and
allow us to get out of our analytical minds and into being present which allows for less "shoulds" and more being able to respond thoughtfully.
The biggest joy of real-plays however is seeing groups of educators, and community leaders laugh and sigh a big sigh of relief in not being alone in a challenging situation. Every time, we begin the real-plays, I kid you not, warmth and humor fills the room. I think it's because, many of us put pressure on ourselves to have it altogether and in the real-play, we're able to access our humanity and understanding. Not to mention that some situations are challenging and being able to take space allows for increased insight and patience.
Any real-play adventures to share? Looking to book a real-play session? E-mail Katy at REiLlearning@gmail.com