Module 9 Video Response

What strategies does Ms. Ellis use to promote English language development?

I really enjoyed watching the passion that Ms. Ellis has for promoting English Language development in her ELL students.  

The strategy where she had the students choose 8 words from a large list of drama actions was especially noteworthy.  The would perform the actions together as a group.  These are action words that were somewhat familiar to them; however, there are other terms that are more abstract to the ELL student.  It's the students' responsibility to decipher the meaning of the word (via dictionary, ask teacher, ask a friend).  I noticed how passionate the students became in creating their drama to describe this action word. Drama provides a great opportunity to explore literacy initiatives.  I think this strategy can be implemented not only in a High School drama class, but in any other ELL classroom.  Students will be less "shy" by working in a group and develop confidence in themselves to act out these action words.