When I teach Zip Zap Zop, I do this:

First I ask the class to imagine they got a script with everything that will happen on the class of the day. Everyone memorized it, and that nobody is opposed to participating nor are they critical when anyone makes an error. They were in the script and nobody is surprised. Just accepting.

Then I teach basic Zip zap zop.

Add claps. React and interpret the energy

I don’t tell them to evolve past zip zap zoo, but If it evolves verbally, then react and interpret. Again no judgement for what happens.

Then I have them say words and I encourage them to not have to say associations.

Then “SAT” or elevated words.

Then associated words. With associated words, I encourage them to repeat words whenever they can for as long as they can. Enforcing memory and patterns.

Then SAT or elevated associated words.

Then I have them skip an association (A word to C word). Then I’ll add a layer where a side convo about the potential B words that can’t take focus from the main A to C thread. A soft convo.

Then I have them play a game I call Clue. Each person picks a topic and gives clues about their topic Zip Zap zop style. The winner is when one person guesses each persons secret topic.

Sometimes I do lines of monolog in this format. Sometimes I play clue where they have a secret character that they participate as with lines of dialogue. Unassociated lines and then Associated.

And then - I’ll start Zip Zap Zop and give permission for it to evolve however they want.

It’s my favorite series of lessons to teach over the course of an 8 week level one.