As educators, we are attuned to the paralanguage of each classroom we enter; sometimes there is a good atmosphere, other times there is not. How can we diffuse these negative tensions while best supporting our students individually and as a class-group? One possible solution is through drama activities, which promote psychological safety and creativity, thereby empowering students to take ownership of their own linguistic learning journeys. This workshop starts with self-reflection, a mental self-scan of how teachers are adapting and coping after a few hectic years. It starts with some energizing ice-breakers, then moves into the main drama activities, and ends with cool-down activities. This main drama exercise is a highly structured technique called Process Drama (PD), and this can be used to explore topics in the textbook, as well as deeper social themes. Through this workshop, participants can explore the personal and social ramifications of COVID-19 era in a psychologically safe environment.
