Developing literacy at the beginning of secondary school through mythical tales and acting

Abstract

This article presents a research project conducted in a class of secondary school (first year) which linked reading, writing and acting. In this project, the teacher attempted to provide a support system for both first and second language acquisition. The idea was to use Greek tales published in a simplified version to look for ideas, vocabulary, routines, in other words what students were able to use when they acted then wrote the text of their own play. This constant back and forth between the oral and written format under the guidance of the expert formed the backbone of the system designed to help them discover a language beyond the daily contacts and a deep displeasure at school. With the help of the adults and of the mediating tools such as literature and acting they were able to collectively write a play that integrated many aspects of written French. In books they discovered worlds beyond their own that they can access when they open and use them. These crucial lessons, not only for students who are considered unable to study with a standard curriculum but also for teachers who are to work with them or similar students, serve to question notions such as creative drama and literacy.