Tag Archives: Walton Burns

Alphabet Publishing to Publish new Drama Resource for ESOL Students

Her Own Worst Enemy by Alice Savage is published by Alphabet Publishing on 28th March 2018. You can find out more and pre-order copies here: http://www.alphabetpublishingbooks.com/book/her-own-worst-enemy/

Founder of Alphabet Publishing, Walton Burns, told us about this new release:

Her Own Worst Enemy by Alice Savage is a unique book. It’s a complete month-long module built around an original one-act play. As students prepare to produce the play, they will do readings on the theme: choosing a science or a liberal arts career. They will discuss what skills will be needed in the future.

‘And, because a play is written to be spoken out loud, it’s a great source of material for teaching speaking skills. As students practice the lines, they will also practice real communication skills and the “hidden” language of pragmatics-the verbal and non-verbal strategies we use to express meaning, which are different in every language and culture. As teachers, we rarely get materials that explicitly target these communication strategies. In Her Own Worst Enemy, characters use persuasive techniques such as wearing someone down, appealing to emotion, and drawing someone out. They’ll learn how to express excitement and frustration and even ambivalence.

Alice Savage – author of Her Own Worst Enemy

‘There are a variety of suggestions and instructions for producing the play from reader’s theatre to a full-blown production. Of course, putting on a play is a huge accomplishment that can engage students. Finally there are follow-up activities such as an audience talkback, a mini-debate, and a research paper.

‘And the play itself is very relatable. Aida is a bright student in her last year of high school. She wants to pursue a major in science and get a useful career in the medical field. However, there is a catch: Aida is also a talented actress. When her performance in a school play catches the attention of a professor at a famous performing arts college, Aida’s friends and relatives are excited about the opportunity for her to study there. But is that the future Aida wants?

Her Own Worst Enemy, the first book in the Integrated Skills Through Drama series, can be a creative project to insert in your curriculum. Or a way to teach too-often neglected communication skills. It’s also an exciting and innovative way to introduce a unit on careers in the future. Alan Maley wrote, “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.”

Get more information at http://www.alphabetpublishingbooks.com/book/her-own-worst-enemy.