English Through Theatre: Role-play and Performance-Based Learning

Introduction The teaching of English in primary school is not only about building vocabulary and grammar, but also about creating meaningful experiences where children feel motivated to communicate. One of the most powerful tools to achieve this is theatre. Drama and performance turn language into action, making words come alive through voice, movement, and imagination. When children step into a role, they do not only memorize sentences—they embody them, feel their meaning, and communicate naturally with their peers. Theatre-based learning is particularly effective with young learners because it matches their developmental needs. Children at the primary level learn best through play, creativity, and imitation. They often find abstract language exercises difficult, but role play gives them a real context: buying an ice cream at a shop, pretending to be animals in the jungle, or acting as explorers discovering a new land. These scenarios provide motivation, emotion, and purpose for using