| Motivating EFL Learners Using Drama | | | | manner of bells, chimes, whistles flutes, rattles and |
| Motivating our English as a foreign language learners is | | | | whatever other realia you might be able to come up |
| a constant concern among most EFL teachers. | | | | with will add to your variety of imaginative props. |
| Learners may also be limited English proficiency (LEP) | | | | Toys and Playthings: |
| or reluctant due to other intrinsic or extrinsic | | | | These toys and playthings I rather like myself because |
| motivational factors. You might be in need of new | | | | they can be utilized in a vast array of English as a |
| techniques for teaching English grammar, verbs or | | | | foreign language class activities, in addition to drama |
| structure in context. Then too, EFL teachers may | | | | and dialogues usage. Try an assortment of items such |
| simply be seeking additional ways to incorporate | | | | as: balloons, dolls, stuffed animals, marbles, jacks, decks |
| dynamics into their English language teaching. | | | | of playing cards, an inflatable ball (like a beach ball), a |
| Whatever the case may be, the addition of drama and | | | | smaller rubber ball, baseball or soccer ball, a pair of |
| dramatic elements is often an enthusiastically | | | | dice, some popular board games, a set of checkers, |
| welcomed one. In preparation, here are some | | | | some dominoes, and a chess set. |
| suggested useful props and materials that will aid in the | | | | Settings Accessories: |
| inclusion of dramas in the EFL class room. | | | | For simulating settings try props like ashtrays, timers, an |
| Key Props You Should Have on Hand | | | | hourglass, bags in assorted sizes, a very dull razor, |
| Furniture: | | | | shave cream, an egg timer, spray bottles, and a |
| Some useful items for simulating a restaurant, | | | | free-standing clock. Likely you'll already have assorted |
| café, store or small shop setting include a small | | | | books, paper, pens, rulers, scissors and other stationery |
| table, two to four chairs, a tablecloth, place settings | | | | items on hand in the class room to fill out this |
| some throw pillows, a throw rug, and an assortment of | | | | assortment of props. |
| tableware. For tableware consider plastic tumblers, | | | | Lights, Camera, Action! |
| cups, plates, flatware, cookware, napkins and | | | | Certainly, you won't need to have all of these items on |
| containers for condiments. | | | | hand. Whatever is available and suits the conditions |
| Character Clothing: | | | | under which you teach will drive which of these things |
| To help learners get into character for dramatizations, | | | | you'll ultimately work with. Your learners will |
| dialogues and role plays a selection of jackets, | | | | undoubtedly have many other suggestions too. Just |
| smocks, aprons, hats, caps (baseball cap, uniform cap, | | | | remember to allow them free or "unguided" practice |
| etc.), masks-to have "Batman" do passive voice, and | | | | with the English language in context, performing |
| wigs (in a variety of colors) are easily acquired. | | | | dialogues, dramas, skits and role plays, have fun with it |
| Consider additional items such as neckties, boots, | | | | and above all enjoy the results. |
| scarf, handkerchiefs, bandanas and gloves too. | | | | Take a quick look at a video of a skit a group of my |
| Noise-Makers: | | | | learners did using a few simple props. It's called, "What |
| EFL learners of all ages love to put these into play | | | | Will Jackie Say? |
| during dramatic scenes of many different types. All | | | | |