11 Index Cards

Writing—or simply jotting down ideas— can be a powerful tool for reflection. We often use index cards (or cue cards or small pieces of paper) to enable learners to participate in a manner that many experience as lower risk. For example, we might ask participants to jot down ideas on separate cards about something related to one of the scenes: things like a time they made a mistake or a time they once felt judged. They would then have the opportunity to share if they wanted to. We also might invite participants to write while assuming a role. For example, the Joker could ask learners to assume the role of a co-worker of someone in one of the scenes and write them a letter.

Considerations while Jokering

• Index cards can serve as a good tool to ease participants into the workshop. We suggest building upon this lower risk activity and trying some of the more active jokering techniques as well.
• If the Joker is asking learners to write about something personal, ensure it is clear that sharing publicly is optional but never mandatory.

Examples of Index Cards

• Donation (See Chapter 15)
• Missed Interpretation (See Chapter 18)