“Logic may take you from A to B…But IMAGINATION can take you everywhere!”
Incorporating role-play into the classroom adds variety, a change of pace and opportunities for a lot of language production and also a lot of fun! It can be an integral part of the class and not a ‘one-off’ event. The essence of a role-play is that it is a group, cooperative experience.
What is Role-play?
The joy of role-play is that students can ‘become’ anyone they like for a short time! The President, the Queen, a millionaire, a pop star …….. the choice is endless! Students can also take on the opinions of someone else. ‘For and Against’ debates can be used and the class can be split into those who are expressing views in favour and those who are against the theme. I actively follow this sort of teaching methodology in my class.
What makes Role Play so cool?
Teaching English language through role play has been a highlight in the classes over the years. Incorporating role-play into the classroom adds variety, a change of pace and opportunities for a lot of language production and also a lot of fun.
- Role play allows children the opportunity to develop speech and language skills as well as listening skills. It encourages the children to think for themselves. The world of the classroom is broadened to include the outside world – thus offering a much wider range of language opportunities.
- Quieter students get the chance to express themselves in a more forthright way. It builds confidence and fluency, assess progress and put learning into action.
- Children who engage in role play learn to interact with others in a better way. It helps to improve inter-personal relations.
- Students enact the story by getting involved into the character and with good actions.
- Real situations can be created and students can benefit from the practice. Mistakes can be made with no drastic consequences.
- It’s fun and motivating.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn” is a famous quote known by all.
Thus the natural imitative and dramatic abilities of children can be translated into systematic, fruitful and fun-filled experience through ROLE PLAY in the lives of little minds.
Ms Latha Himachala
Grade-2 Coordinator
