Having artful practices on a regular basis in language classrooms has a positive effect on students learning in many ways. If you have students in need of more practice to overcome the fear of making mistakes, especially in speaking, the “Monologue with an Object” activity can be an alternative solution to address their need.

Towards the end of the semester when my students felt more confident with their language skills in A2 level, I asked them to prepare a monologue with an object of about 2 minutes. They were given the option to prepare the monologue from their point of view or the object’s to help reduce stress. Having the necessary rehearsals, they performed their monologues in the classroom. 

I can share a few notes based on my observations:

1. Both in the performing stage and in listening to others, they concentrated their attention on the monologues. 
2. Having an object and being given the option to make it speak lessens their anxiety of speaking in front of others.
3. The flexibility provided on the content of the monologue boosts their creativity.
4. Introducing an object of high importance built a connection among the students. 

♥ I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Patricia Sobral, Anna Santucci Leoni, and the class of POBS Artful Teaching (Brown University; Spring, 2016) for the inspiration.