Language in Play (LIP)
Recognizing the impact of Beyond Borders to address literacy and English language development and given the tremendous need in the community, ECT created Language in Play (LIP) in October of 2004.
By tailoring the Beyond Borders curriculum to an after-school and weekend format as an elective for English language learners, LIP bridges educational gaps and provides extended learning opportunities in both academic and life skills.
Language in Play (LIP) is a theatrically-based after school educational program, which seeks to improve language, literacy and life skills. The program is designed to serve at-risk youth and English language learners in the greater Los Angeles area as well as other communities seeking an inventive approach to help address the social and academic challenges faced by may of these students.
Professional dramatic artists from the East L.A. Classic Theatre (ECT) team work with classroom teachers, utilizing innovative educational techniques as they guide students through the program. The Language in Play curriculum is aligned to the California Language Arts, English Language Development and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Educational Standards in an effort to assure that the program compliments and supports the students’ existing educational programming.
Students are directed to focus on the development of individual creativity, while simultaneously cultivating community skills through the process of building an ensemble. Theatrical techniques inspired by Viola Spolin, Constantin Stanislavski and Augusto Boal focus on character development, imagination and improvisation skills; providing students with new skill sets which support the development of advanced social skills.
Language arts methods using the reader’s theater model inform reflective writing exercises focusing on dramatic analysis expanding students’ understanding of the dramatic process while promoting improved language and literacy skills. Finally students work together to produce, design and star in a professional play performed for their community.
