Resources
Here are some of my favorite blogs/websites/books etc. that are devoted to English Language Teaching and Drama, or to some aspect of each. They have informed my teaching and thinking about working with English Language Learners and in using Drama for this work. In addition, there are some non-drama resources that have influenced my English language teaching.
The titles on the left (below in the mobile version) will lead you to other resources as well.
1. http://www.tesol.org/the-6-principles/about The Six Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners. Here they are laid out in a nice, clear and interactive format, courtesy of TESOL international association.
2. https://www.empoweringells.com Tan Huynh has developed a fantastic webpage--Empowering ELLs. His work has inspired me to share what I do and have learned. If you visit only one site, and subscribe to only one blog related to ELT, this is the one.
3. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com Jennifer Gonzalez' "Cult of Pedagogy" is not specific to English language teaching, however it is about excellent teaching practices in general. In particular her work around technology in the classroom is quite good. Her podcasts are insightful and helpful to all levels of teachers.
4. http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org Larry Ferlazzo has been at this for a long time. His website of the day is a great resource. His latest book, "The ELL teachers toolbox" is a must. https://www.amazon.com/ELL-Teachers-Toolbox-Hundreds-Practical/dp/1119364965
5. https://americanenglish.state.gov/ American English at U.S. Department of State. I discovered this and then used it all the time when I was working as an English Language Fellow in Cambodia. How I managed for the years before is beyond me. Endless ideas and stimulation.
6. https://www.dramaticpublishing.com/their-own-words In Their Own Words: Drama With Young English Language Learners by Daniel Kelin II. When I first came up with the idea of creating a drama class exclusively for my ELL students I came across this book at a theatre educator conference when it was first published and it helped shape my curriculum. Highly recommended. Here is his website as well: http://danielakelin.com
7. http://eltthinktank.com This offers an inclusive community where all teachers can find a community of practice to share ideas, collaborate, and continue learning. Lots of practical ideas, videos, webinars. A growing professional learning community devoted to English Language Teaching.
8. Drama books. I often take "regular" drama class staples and adapt them for a more language centric approach. Here are some that I refer to regularly, a list that is by no means exhaustive.
Drama Techniques--Alan Maley and Alan Duff
Tableau Classroom Drama Activities—Rosalind M. Flynn
Games for Language Learning—Andrew Wright
Stories: Narrative activities in the Language Classroom—Ruth Wajnryb
Teachers Act Up--Melisa Cahnmann-Taylor
Teaching Literacy through Drama—Baldwin
Stage by Stage: a handbook for using drama in the second language classroom--Ann F. Burke & Julie C. O’Sullivan
Strategies for Playbuilding: Helping Groups Translate Issues into Theatre --Will Weigler
Theatre for Community, Conflict and Dialogue--Michael Rohd
Games for Actors and Non-Actors—Augosto Boal
House of Games—Chris Johnston
Acting, Learning & Change: Creating original plays with adolescents—Jan Mandell and Jennifer Lynn Wolf
Theatre Games for Young Performers I and II--Maria C. Novelly
200 + ideas for Drama--Anna Scher
Play building--Errol Bray
Let’s Improvise--Milton E. Polsky
Theatre Games for the classroom--Viola Spolin
Improvisation for the theatre--Viola Spolin
A Handbook for creative dance and drama--Allison Lee
9. General language education materials
The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox. Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski
Teaching Young Learners English. Joan Kang Shin and JoAnn (Jodi Crandall)
The Color Vowel Approach to English Pronunciation Color Vowel Website & YouTube Channel
EL Excellence Every Day. Tonya Ward Singer
10. Story Cards—I use this for so many activities, excellent for lessons for substitute teachers, as once students are familiar with them they enjoy creating sentences, scenes, stories, etc. based on them. https://oh-cards.com/index.php?article_id=67&clang=2