Only the Best Intentions

2018 Runner-up for English-Language Award from the English-Speaking UnionOnly the Best Intentions is an English language textbook that teaches spoken communication skills through the performance of an engaging and compelling one-act play. Whether it's reader's theater, an in-class performance, or a full production, putting on a play is the ultimate group project. And drama is a powerful tool for learning spoken communication skills! Students take on acting skills like using body language, gesture, intonation, and other non-verbal cues to communicate better. They are exposed to natural language in a realistic setting. And they are motivated and engaged!A range of activities prepare students to perform as they practice language skills:Background readings on topics raised by the play: the history of competitive video games, the life of professional video game players, and managing modern life with screens.An original one-act play written for ELLs about a young woman who breaks off her engagement when she finds out her fiance wants to be a professional video game player. But what's more important? Family, stability, keeping promises, or helping someone follow their dreams?Pragmatics lesson on raising problems and resolving conflictsPronunciation activities, including sentence stress to show contrast and practice linking sounds.Scaffolding to prepare students to produce a play includingLessons on attentive listeningGuided questions to analyze the playIdeas for auditioning, learning a part, and marking scripts for emotional content to improve line readings.Tips for staging a playPost-Performance Activities, including a talkback, a mini-debate, writing a new scene or even a sequel or mining the play for useful languageAn optional assignment to interview families about screen timeAssessment rubrics and an answer keyYour students will look forward to class with this innovative resource that utilizes drama in language teaching! The play's the thing!