ESL Children's Drama Games

The Enormous Turnip is a super simple story for children learning English as a second language. Instead of using a book to read from I prefer flashcards as you the (teacher or parent) are free to adapt the language you use according to the abilities of the children.

With storytelling whether I am using a book or flashcards I try to always include some theatrical props to add extra interest and encourage group participation. With the Enormous Turnip I made a little shovel, an envelope full of seeds (rice) and a watering can. I also include mask cut outs which I stick to plastic spoons for the children to hold for role play work.

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You can create a mini role play by simply using props similar to the ones I use in the video and involve children by asking them to sow the seeds and water them instead of yourself. Or , if you have enough children in your class, add to the fun by asking them to interpret the story characters . Give them a mask and tell them in turn to pull the “flashcard”!

I also find a great exercise after I have told the story is get the children to act it out!

1. Play some relaxing music to the children

2. Tell the children to lie on the floor and make themselves as small as possible

3. Tell them that you are the farmer and using the little shovel indicate digging holes around the children

4. Sow the seeds

5. Water the seeds (make some whooshing water sounds)

6. Tell the children to imagine they are tiny turnip seeds growing slowly under the earth

7. Growing bigger and bigger and bigger until they become the most ENORMOUS TURNIPS! (bodies and faces)

Great fun and an interesting way to repeat key vocabulary.

Happy Teaching

Miranda Flynn Legge