Learning Through Action

One of the most powerful ways to explore teacher identity is through doing. In my workshops, teachers engage in participatory activities followed by reflection. This process often reveals unconscious patterns—helping educators better understand their behaviors, beliefs, and teaching styles.

Teaching as Transformation

What happens when you become an owl?

This imaginative activity, inspired by Alan Maley’s vocal work, is more than just playful—it invites teachers to reconnect with their creative instincts. Many adults feel awkward stepping into role-play, while children embrace it instinctively. This contrast reminds us how drama can unlock imagination and awaken the “inner child” we often forget in professional life. Click here for a demo

Growing Through Awareness

Facilitation begins with awareness—of self, others, and our own values. To nurture this, I use embodied activities that stretch both imagination and perception. One such example is:

Colombian Hypnosis

In pairs, one person leads by holding their palm a short distance from their partner’s face. The follower must maintain that exact distance, no matter where the hand moves—forcing them into exaggerated, unfamiliar movements. Eventually, roles reverse, and both partners lead and follow at once.
This activity sharpens focus, encourages non-verbal communication, and increases body awareness. It’s physical, fun, and deeply reflective.
Watch a demo here

Reflection prompts may include:

• How did it feel to lead/follow?
• What does this reveal about your teaching habits or classroom dynamics?

Embodied Group Activities

Here are a few other engaging techniques I use in workshops:

• Cat and Mouse Tag – Builds energy and group coherence; opens space for reflecting on roles we adopt in life.
• Map on the Floor – A visual activity encouraging self-disclosure and trust.
• Wink Game / Everyone Who… – Enhance eye contact, group focus, and awareness of interpersonal dynamics.

These activities foster self-expression, emotional presence, and group connection—skills that are vital in today’s classrooms but often overlooked in teacher education.

Why Performative Skills Matter

While cognitive knowledge is emphasized in teacher training, performative skills—like presence, voice, gesture, and adaptability—are often neglected. Embodied pedagogy bridges this gap, supporting teachers to grow not only professionally, but personally.

A Space to Explore

Every July, I host a face-to-face weekend workshop in Istanbul focused on performative pedagogy. Together, we:

• Practice drama-based techniques adaptable for ELT classrooms
• Reflect on our teaching identities
• Explore what it means to be fully present, engaged, and responsive as a teacher

As one participant shared:

“This workshop unlocked something powerful in me. I teach differently now—more freely, more fully myself.”

Join the Journey

I invite you to step into this space of exploration, creativity, and growth. Embrace the power of embodied learning and rediscover your voice as a teacher.

🔗 Dive deeper into this approach through my blog www.tom-godfrey.com and YouTube channel for resources, activities, and reflections.

Let’s grow, together. Join our free community Performative ELT