Using Theater Games to Enhance Language Arts Learning

Abstract

Integrating drama and language arts lessons can provide the necessary opportunities for the development of language in an exciting and pleasurable way. Using drama as part of daily instruction gives elementary and middle‐level students an opportunity to practice oral language, improving fluency and pronunciation. Theater games also improve social skills. With regular participation, the learners develop confidence, cooperation, and concentration—attributes that provide the foundation for more elaborate drama activities. The classroom teacher does not need to be a drama specialist to lead a successful drama session. Many theater games are simple, fun, and easy to learn.Each drama activity in this article has detailed directions. The five games described have a specific language arts focus. These games are a small sampling of drama activities, but they suggest what is possible with drama for promoting language literacy.