PRETEND PLAY IN THE ESL CLASSROOM

As a child, I would never say no to a “pretend play” session with my granny. We would spend the afternoons playing the market.

Role-plays are flexible and open-ended and they support children’s current interests. I was amazed at how engaged my little students were when I brought this cardboard puppet theatre in class.

My tip to maximise learning is to keep the number of characters small and repeat the dialogue slowly, using different voices and tones. The little theatre window magically transports children into the chosen world, making them feel safe and involved. In that protected space, language comes naturally, imagination takes the lead, and learning becomes part of the play.