Tips for session planning
Intro example: At WheelWorks Arts, young people lead the way. We create spaces where everyone can get involved, try something new, share ideas and have fun. From animation and filmmaking to games, stories, digital music or drama, it's all about exploring what interests you and creating something brilliant together.
Outspoken Manifesto Elements:
Every session/activity/task combines these three core elements.
Block / timing
Facilitator role (Remember to…)
Block 1&2: Intro, Question & Icebreaker (15-20 mins)
Pick an element, or combine 2/3:
🏃♂️ PHYSICAL
🤝COLLABORATIVE
🧠 CHALLENGE
• HOLD SPACE: keep it safe and inclusive.
• LISTEN & OBSERVE: discover what excites the group, what they care about, and what they hope to create.
Block 3: (xx mins)
Pick an element, or combine 2/3 as per the thematic/topic/artform:
🏃♂️ PHYSICAL
🤝COLLABORATIVE
🧠 CHALLENGE
+ Back-up plan
• BE CURIOUS: ask questions you don't know the answers to.
• BE CREATIVE: experiment, play led, and keep the session interactive, group tasks, and flexible.
Block 4: (xx mins)
Pick an element, or combine 2/3as per the thematic/topic/artform:
🏃♂️ PHYSICAL
🤝COLLABORATIVE
🧠 CHALLENGE
+ Back-up plan
• PARTICIPANT LEARNING PROGRESSION: Focus tasks to support learning
• BE A PARTICIPANT: join in and create alongside the group to break down hierarchy.
• STEP BACK: let others lead when they are confident. Step in to support if needed.
Block 5: (5-10 mins)
Wrap up/close session
• PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK: Encourage young people to share their session experience – capture project/ thematic/ topic/ artform thoughts.
• FACILITATOR FEEDBACK: QR code
Breakdown of each session
Artforms & mediums for XX number of sessions:
(e.g., visual arts, music, DJing, drumming, graffiti, AR/VR, animation, photography, film, drama, dance etc.)
Overview of artforms you wish to use and note how you might break or combine them, e.g., merging sound with movement, or animation with green screen, or creative writing with film making etc.
1. Start with an introduction and a question (5 mins)
Please INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND WHEELWORKS
‘A question invites discovery, dialogue, and co-creation. Choose an open question you don't know the answer to, leaving space for voices to emerge and the unexpected to happen.’
Outline the aims and an overview of the upcoming sessions.
In the first session, co-create a group contract with participants to set behavioural expectations (e.g. respect, keep safe, participate).
Question
Bad example: "Today we're making films”.
Good example: “What makes something worth filming”?
“If you could record one moment forever, what would it be”?
2. Icebreaker (10mins)
A short, fun, and energetic activity designed to build connection and confidence.
Focus on play and interaction rather than learning content.
Inspired by/related to the main activity
3. Warm-up (e.g. 30mins)
An activity to prepare participants mentally, physically, or creatively for the main activity.
Should build energy, focus, and collaboration within the group.
Break (10mins)
The break time should be agreed upon before the session starts (with the group leader, teacher, or youth/community worker).
Give clear instructions on where participants may go and when they must return.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Main activities (e.g. 40mins)
The core creative task of the session.
Builds on skills or ideas developed during the ice breaker and warm-up.
Should encourage experimentation and creative expression.
Review & reflect (5-10mins)
Facilitate a short group reflection. Ask the participants:
What activity have they done that they would like to do again?
What activity would they like to try out in the future?
Encourage participants to discuss what they achieved or learned.
Promote positive feedback and mutual appreciation of each other’s work.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Final tasks
Collect and count all equipment.
Clean up - wash brushes, wipe down tables, etc.
Thank participants for their work and energy.
If relevant, remind young people of details for the next session.
______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Equipment and materials required
List all equipment, materials and digital tools or apps required for the session, including quantities where possible.
7. Flexibility & adaptability (in real time)
‘Plans are important, but young people’s engagement/interest come first. Adaptability ensures the project stays relevant, inclusive, and energetic. Have a Plan B or backup game, and/or adjustments ready for shifting energies and improving engagement’
If group energy drops or a participant becomes disengaged/withdrawn what is your back-up plan
Include your backup game, chat, or adaptation plan to pull them back in.