Oral language development, the single most important factor in determining readiness for reading, may be enhanced through creative drama, especially role playing. Role playing is spontaneous play which traditionally has served many purposes, including promoting socialization. It can also be a unique method of recreating historical episodes in which past leaders or events can be brought to life as children assume roles of historical significance. To do this, the teacher selects unfamiliar events from history; the cast role plays their solution to the historical problem; and the teacher then has them consult sources to learn what really happened. Examples may be seen in three problem stories based on factual information which was dramatized to make the episodes more lively and appealing. (JM)