🧹 This Is Not a Broom
One ordinary object goes round the circle and each player turns it into something new, using only actions. The broom becomes a guitar, a horse, a microphone. The group guesses each one.
What you need
Equipment: One simple object, like a broom, stick, bottle or towel. Choose one simple object with a plain shape: a broom, a stick, a plastic bottle or a towel. Place it in the middle of the circle.
How to play This Is Not a Broom
- The host picks up the object and shows the idea: using it as something else, without speaking. The broom becomes a guitar.
- The group calls out what it is.
- The first player stands, takes the object and uses it as something new, with actions only.
- No talking, no sound effects, and no repeating an idea already shown.
- The group guesses. The player keeps going until someone gets it, or for up to 30 seconds.
- Guessed? A point to the performer and one to the guesser. Not guessed? The player says what it was.
- Put the object back in the middle for the next player.
- After a full round, swap to a new object.
Scoring and wrapping up
Scoring: Idea guessed: 2 points to the performer. Correct guess: 1 point. An idea that makes everyone laugh: 1 bonus point.
To finish: After two or three objects, crown the Imagination Champion. A great finale: two players use the object together in a 20-second scene.
By age
- Ages 6-7: Allow sound effects to help the group guess.
- Ages 10+: Ban the first five obvious ideas before you start.
Variations
- Big group: Use two circles with two different objects, then swap objects.
- Capy twist: The host calls out a place (kitchen, jungle, space) and every idea must fit there.
Tips for the adult in charge
- A broom and an umbrella are classics that always work.
- If a child freezes, whisper an idea to them, like "a fishing rod."
Safety
Use light, unbreakable objects and leave space around the performer when swinging them.
🖨️ Printable idea cards
Hand a card to a player who is stuck, or use them as a warm-up round.
- A guitar
- A microphone
- A sword
- A horse
- A fishing rod
- A telescope
- A golf club
- A paddle
- A magic wand
- A baseball bat
- A walking stick
- A vacuum cleaner
- A flag
- A broomstick for flying
- A violin
- A spoon for a giant
- A rocket
- A toothbrush
- An umbrella
- A tightrope pole
Questions and answers
Where does this improv game come from?
It is inspired by the picture book Not a Box and by a classic drama warm-up where one prop becomes many things.
Which objects work best?
Long or simple shapes: a broom, an umbrella, a scarf, a paper tube, a plastic bottle or a pool noodle.