Advancing the Speaking and Listening Skills of K-2 English Language Learners Through Creative Drama

In recent decades the United States has experienced a dramatic increase in children entering school whose home language is not English. If they are to achieve to their full potential, these children need direct and frequent interaction with individuals who can provide English language learners with accurate feedback. Creative drama activities that allow for the use of nonverbal communication in combination with verbal interactions can be an effective way for teachers to directly interact with many children at once, providing feedback and building vocabulary. This article describes a standards-based creative drama curriculum designed to enhance K-2 English-language development. Readers are invited to download lesson materials developed by the San Diego Unified School District and the University of California, Irvine, as well as to view online streaming videos of classroom interactions.