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!
Industry Reviews
Featured Book of the Month: American TESOL Institute
"This focus on pragmatics is incredibly valuable because it is the very thing that students need to rehearse in the classroom before being unleashed on the world and, as Savage notes, it rarely appears in more traditional textbooks." -English Australia Journal
"Her Own Worst Enemy is a fun play to produce, but it's not just a play. It is actually a complete curriculum. You've got all the skills and guidance for adapting it to different levels, language goals, and time frames. Best of all, it offers a dynamic classroom experience. Students and teachers will look forward to coming to class!" -Joy Lindsey, Rice University
"An outstanding creative platform to be used in the English language learning classroom. With a comprehensive and flexible package of supporting materials, educators are encouraged to tailor the lessons to best meet the communicative needs of learners. The specific focus on pragmatics also presents an excellent opportunity for students to identify and practice key skills in one of the more challenging areas of communication." - Scott Granville, Co-founder, Chasing Time
"a really well-structured drama resource that I'm excited to try out in the classroom! ... a whole range of activities encouraging learners to share personal responses, explore the emotions of others and really engage with the themes and characters in the play. " - Peter Clement, ELT Planning
"All in all, I find myself wishing I had a group of students of the right age group to use this! A great addition to any teacher's collection of materials." - EFL Magazine
