English in elementary school teaching materials collection 2013 the jet p rogr amme

“SCENE!”
 
Submitted by Fenyang Smith (Shoso City BOE) 
Target Group
: All grades 
Difficulty Level
: Basic Conversation 
Activity Objective: 
To practice using new grammar 
Procedure: 
Students use the newly presented grammar along with a few props to create short theatre scenes. 
Materials and Preparation: 
Prop sunglasses, hats, etc. (things that can be worn). Classroom desks, chairs, (depending on the scene)
After practicing new grammar points as a class and in pairs, students are invited to volunteer to 
perform in front of the class (usually) in groups of two or three. The remaining class members will 
be asked to close their eyes while the volunteers are encouraged to adopt a new persona and select 
props to use. When the volunteers are ready, they will take their places around the classroom, their 
classmates will open their eyes, and the scene will begin. Although this activity is at its core rather 
simple, I feel that therein lies its efficacy. It requires very little preparation of materials (though 
more preparation/props can always benefit the experience) and thus can be woven fluidly into class 
sessions. It also encourages students to volunteer, to jump outside themselves and imagine (by way 
of stage personas), and, by giving the students an opportunity to imbue the grammar with their own 
sense of style and expression, enables them to make what they learn in class their own.