Program The Human

Step 1 – Warm-Up: Language Fitness

• This activity is a playful, interactive “training session” designed to engage learners physically and linguistically. The educator stands at the front of the group and gives short commands in the target language, remaining completely still. Learners carry out the instructions, for example: raise your left hand, take a step to the right, turn your head to the left.
• Commands start with simple, concrete movements and can gradually become more complex by combining two or three actions in sequence. The educator does not demonstrate the movements, so learners must rely on listening comprehension and understanding of the target language, enhancing focus and engagement.
• As the activity develops, learners can take turns in the role of trainer. Standing at the front of the group, they create and give their own commands for the rest of the participants to follow.

This approach reinforces comprehension and active language production, fosters creativity, spontaneity, and confidence, encourages learners to invent both simple and imaginative instructions—sometimes playful or humorous—enriching vocabulary practice and making the exercise more memorable.

Step 2 – Preparing the maze

• The educator divides participants into two groups.
• Asks one group to secretly draw a simple maze on the reverse side of a whiteboard or on a large sheet of paper taped to the wall.
• The maze should resemble a simplified city map, with clear pathways and intersections. Keep it challenging but not overly complex.

Step 3 – Selecting the “human program” and explaining the rules

• The educator invites one volunteer from the second group, blindfolds the volunteer (or ask them to close their eyes) and give them a marker. Their task is to “navigate” through the maze using only the instructions provided by their peers.
• The “human program” may not move independently and must only follow instructions given in the target language by the group.
• The group shall agree on clear, concise directions before speaking (e.g., “move up,” “turn right,” “stop,” “go forward two steps”). Emphasize the use of complete sentences rather than single words. The challenge lies in precision: learners must give clear, unambiguous instructions in Polish and listen carefully to interpret them correctly. The exercise combines teamwork, trust, and communication while maintaining a lighthearted and engaging atmosphere.

Step 4 – Searching the Maquette

• The educator asks the “human program” which instructions were easy or difficult to follow.
• Invite the group to reflect:
  • Which phrases were most useful?
  • Where did confusion occur?
  • How could instructions be clearer next time?

Step 5 – Feedback Session

• The workshop concludes with a structured feedback exercise. Each participant can complete a specially designed feedback sheet with different sections, encouraging reflection on the workshop from multiple perspectives.
• The form shall include areas for:
  • Noting new vocabulary learned
  • Highlighting the most enjoyable parts of the session
  • Expressing what they would like more of in the future
  • Suggesting aspects that could be improved

The creative, illustrated format of the sheet made the task more engaging and accessible. Instead of a formal questionnaire, the playful layout encouraged participants to respond openly and honestly, capturing their impressions in both words and drawings.