I teach in a school that has a 55% Hispanic population, and about 35% of our students are in ESL classes, bilingual classes, or Dual Language classes. I teach reading, and a majority of my students are ESL.

When someone is learning a new language, they go thru a silent period. This can last from a short time to a couple of years. During this time, the person is watching and listening and thinking and learning. They might be silent, but they are still learning. They just don’t have the confidence yet to start talking.

So, to get to your question. Role play can be done, but it has to be done with roles that the students are familiar with. Little kids can role play “asking a friend to play with you” “ask your mother ‘what’s for dinner?’ ” “tell a friend about your new puppy”.

You still won’t get everyone talking, because of the silent period where they’re just learning the words. Maybe having them do it in their native language would be good first, just so they know what to do. Then maybe have them write out what they want to say in English. Don’t have them “perform” in front of the whole class, since that makes people nervous, even in their own native language. Have the kids talk in pairs to each other first. Put the “shy” ones together and let them choose their own partners if they wish.

Move awaiy from the thought “break their silence” … they’re not talking because they don’t think they can do it right. When they get the confidence, they’ll talk. But if you force them before they’re ready, you’ll just push them into more silence.

Imagine if you were just transported to a country where you had no knowledge of the language. You’d be looking and wondering and not talking, too.

Look up some of the experts like Cummins if you want to know more. imitsallgood