Motivate students of English as a foreign language through theater

Motivating our students of English as a foreign language is a constant concern among most teachers of English as a foreign language. Students may also be limited English proficient (LEP) or reluctant due to other intrinsic or extrinsic motivational factors. You may need new techniques to teach English grammar, verbs or structures in context. Additionally, EFL teachers may simply be looking for additional ways to incorporate dynamics into their English language teaching. Whatever the case, the addition of drama and dramatic elements is often enthusiastically welcomed. In preparation, here are some suggested useful props and materials that will aid in the inclusion of drama in the EFL classroom.

Key accessories to have on hand

Furniture:

Some useful items for simulating a restaurant, cafeteria, store, or small store include a small table, two to four chairs, a tablecloth, cutlery, some cushions, a rug, and assorted tableware. For tableware, consider plastic cups, mugs, plates, cutlery, cookware, napkins, and condiment containers.

Character clothing:

To help students get into character for skits, dialogues and role plays, a selection of jackets, smocks, aprons, hats, caps (baseball cap, uniform cap, etc.), masks for “Batman” make passive voice and wigs (in a variety of colors) are easily acquired. Consider additional items like ties, boots, scarves, bandanas, bandanas, and gloves as well.

Noise generators:

EFL students of all ages love to bring them into play during dramatic scenes of many different kinds. All manner of bells, chimes, whistles, flutes, rattles, and any other realities she can find will add to her array of imaginative accessories.

Toys and toys:

I like these toys and toys because they can be used in a wide range of English as a Foreign Language classroom activities, in addition to the use of drama and dialogues. Try a variety of items such as: balloons, dolls, stuffed animals, marbles, jacks, decks of cards, an inflatable ball (such as a beach ball), a smaller rubber ball, a baseball or football, a pair of dice, some popular board games, a game of checkers, some dominoes, and a set of chess.

Accessories Settings:

To simulate scenarios, try props like ashtrays, timers, an hourglass, bags of various sizes, a very blunt razor, shaving cream, an egg timer, spray bottles, and a stand-alone clock. You probably already have a variety of books, paper, pens, rulers, scissors, and other stationery on hand in your classroom to complete this assortment of accessories.

Lights Camera action!

You certainly won’t need to have all of these items on hand. What is available and suits the conditions in which you teach will determine which of these things you will ultimately work with. Your students will no doubt have many other suggestions as well. Just remember to allow them to practice freely or “without guidance” with the English language in context, acting out dialogues, dramas, skits and role plays, have fun with it and above all enjoy the results.

Take a quick look at a video of a sketch a group of my students did using some simple props. It’s called “What Will Jackie Say?”