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. What are we waiting for? "The play's the thing"
—Alan Maley
...activities include improvisation and character work, using body language to communicate emotions, analysis of the play, discussions and debates, as well as the pragmatics of reaching conversational goals. 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
English students will have a blast portraying the characters in this comedy about a talented young actress who does not want to act. The story unfolds in a believable way, and the dialogue gives a sense of what really happens when family members and friends try to be "helpful."
—Jennifer Delapp, ESL teacher and tutor, Denver Colorado
I tried it with some intermediate students at the end of my conversation class last semester, and my students had a good time playing with the role reversals. They seemed to find value in the process and even met on the weekends to rehearse, which I did not expect. We did the play with script in hand, and they were still able to capture some of the intonation and emotional expressions.
—Amazon Customer
Even students who feel nervous to speak in English, can gain confidence when they have a script in front of them. This text has engaging activities that students of all ages and backgrounds can have fun with.
—A. L., an Amazon buyer
Students can learn useful language for encouraging and explaining and there is great potential to work on emotional interactions, something few students get to do.
—George Milton Savage, Jr., an Amazon buyer
From Students
- It was a good experience to improve my English. It was fun to work in teams with my partners.
- It is so funny!! I liked the project because I interacted with my classmates.
- The intonation of the words is very important and you helped us so much with getting the right intonation. I also enjoyed the character.
- It was a good way of learn my pronunciation and we can do different things.
- I enjoyed my role and everything about the play because I had the opportunity to practice the language and meet outside with my classmates.
- I liked listening to the real actors. I want to act like them but it is hard, but I play it in my car and I repeat after them and that is very good practice for me.
- It was very exciting. I liked it
