Linking Readers Theatre to CLIL in foreign language education

Abstract

This article explores the potential of linking Readers Theatre (RT), a group reading aloud activity, with Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in foreign language education. Both RT and CLIL, independent of each other, have demonstrated affective and cognitive benefits for foreign language learners. Examples are provided of how subject matter texts, for example about history, can be adapted and created for RT in the foreign language classroom. Reference is made to positive experiences for both learners and teachers of the combination of RT and CLIL in lower secondary English classrooms in Norway. Finally, classroom implications are addressed, for example how the combination of RT and CLIL integrates different language skills, how combining the two allows for a focus on form within a meaning-based approach, and how group dynamics can aid the individual learner.