Drama

Drama is a part of children’s lives from an early age and using drama activities in language lessons has distinct benefits. It allows children to be active participants in their learning which in turn encourages children’s knowledge to become embedded and their creativity to thrive.

The use of drama promotes essential learning tools such problem-solving, risk-taking, self-confidence and self-esteem and children learn the importance of speaking clearly and listening attentively.

Incorporating authentic props and materials brings both the language and culture alive. Drama gives children the freedom to experiment with the sounds, words and phrases of the new language and to develop their independence in communicating.

Questions

- What factors can influence the type of drama activities that are suitable for different children in their language lessons?

- Dramatising involves children through their use of language but also through their bodies, minds, emotions and social interaction. How is reading a text aloud different from acting out that same text?

Featured clip

Personalities

Subtheme: Drama

Useful links

It's playtime

Activity

Encourage children to appreciate the difficulties of someone coming to their school who does not speak their language and who has to make their meaning clear with mime, gesture and sound effects.

The game can be played in 2 teams. Put a pile of text cards at the front of the class, each with a word, sentence or question in the new language that a visitor might need. The first child picks a card and uses mimes and sound effects to try and convey their word or sentence to the rest of the class. You could use: I’m thirsty, an orange juice, where is the toilet?, a book, what is your name? a football etc.

This activity could lead in to a discussion on how children react to those who cannot speak their language.

Do they think volume makes a difference to understanding?
What does it feel like not to be able to make yourself understood?