Drama in the performance of texts is one of the most compelling of language learning resources…This book offers a wealth of preparatory activities, suggestions for varied ways of using the text and helpful suggestions for follow-up. - Alan Maley, teacher, trainer, founder of The C Group, and author of Drama Techniques
A treasure trove of teaching ideas, covering areas like pronunciation, grammar, pragmatics, discussion themes. -Charlyn Wessels Dyers, author of Drama in the Oxford Resource Series for Teachers
Her Own Worst Enemy is an English language textbook that teaches spoken communication skills through the performance of an engaging and compelling one-act play.
Whether it’s reader’s theater, an in-class performance, or a full production, putting on a play is the ultimate group project.
And drama is a powerful tool for learning spoken communication skills! Students take on acting skills like using body language, gesture, intonation, and other non-verbal cues to communicate better. They are exposed to natural language in a realistic setting. And they are motivated and engaged!
A range of activities prepare students to perform as they practice language skills:
- Background readings on the topic of the play: choosing a career in STEM vs. the liberal arts. Readings include vocabulary and discussion questions.
- An original one-act play written for ELLs about Aida, a high-school senior who wants to study science and get a practical in-demand job. But when she gets a chance to audition for a prestigious theatre school, she has to make a choice!
- Pragmatics lesson on how to give encouragement, including guided role plays.
- Drama games, such as improv and a word and sentence stress pronunciation activity
- Scaffolding to prepare students to produce a play including
- Lessons on attentive listening
- Guided questions to analyze the play
- Ideas for auditioning, learning a part, and marking scripts for emotional content to improve line readings.
- Tips for staging a play
- Post-Performance Activities, including a talkback, a mini-debate, writing a new scene or even a sequel or mining the play for useful language
- An optional research paper assignment on careers of the future
- Assessment rubrics and an answer key
Your students will look forward to class with this innovative resource that utilizes drama in language teaching! The play’s the thing!
Table of Content
- Think about the Topic
- Discuss the Title
- Write about the Topic
- Practice Pragmatics: encouraging Someone
- Additional Practice
- Read for Background
- Vocabulary
- A STEM Career
- STEM Career Profile: Steve Herbert
- A Liberal Arts Career
- Liberal Arts Career Profile: Molly Dill
- Practice Attentive listening: Choose a Career
- Read the Script
- Discuss the Play
- Analyze the Play
- Assign Roles
- Learn Your Part
- Rehearse
- Practice Pronunciation: Word and Sentence Stress
- Stage Your Play
- Lead a Talkback
- Write an Alternative Ending
- Gather Language
- Have a Mini Debate
- Create a Sequel
- Teacher Evaluation Rubric
- Peer Feedback Guide
- Self-Reflection Questions
- Research and Write a Career Profile
About the author
Alice Savage is a graduate of the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont and is currently on the faculty at Lone Star College, North Harris in Houston, Texas. Alice has lived in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle as well as Houston, and enjoys city life and the performing arts. When not teaching or writing, she also enjoys traveling for conferences and climbing mountains with her family.
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