Reddit mentions of Directing Improv: Show the Way By Getting Out of the Way

I'm assuming that you guys are all experienced enough to teach the concepts, that's not the problem, the real question is about dealing with junior high students.

The one thing I know about kids is, in general, they looooove talking in pop culture and meme references. This is because these are "safe" sources of pre-approved, non-ostracizing humor. Which of course runs a bit antithetical to how improv works. So you're gonna have to spend a little extra time up front building that atmosphere that praises risk and originality and discourages exclusion and judgement.

Asaf Ronen's Directing Improv has a chapter devoted teaching kids and teens that I recommend checking out, and he covers the above concept.

Aerodynamics of Yes by Christian Capozzoli

Improvise (Scenes from the inside out) by Mick Napier

Directing Improv by Asaf Ronen

I'd highly recommend getting a copy of Asaf Ronen's Directing Improv. It guides you through some of the various basic methods for how improv groups are organized and run, how to organize a rehearsal, how to plan for the development of your team and your players. It's also pretty short and easy to read.

https://www.amazon.com/Directing-Improv-Show-Way-Getting/dp/0977033902

You can do whatever you want, and I've seen projects created both as an idea to be cast and as 'get good people and then figure out what works for them.'

I'd love to be a resource to you for this. Feel free to message me.

An excellent book:
https://www.amazon.com/Directing-Improv-Show-Way-Getting/dp/0977033902

Directing Improv: Show the Way By Betting Out of the Way by Asaf Ronen