Chitacle for teachers of Russian as a foreign language (RFL) — a working tool: partner reading of a play as a live format of speech practice for students. 200+ original texts, CC BY 4.0 license.
What's usually missing in an RFL course
- Live speech practice most courses are theoretical.
- Contemporary material textbooks lag behind the language.
- Literary texts at B1–B2 level classics are too complex.
- Partner format usually either a tutor or a group.
- Emotional engagement without it the language doesn't "come alive."
Chitacle closes all these gaps with a single format.
How the teacher can use Chitacle
### 1. In a lesson with one student
- Read a short play for two (M/F) with them — teacher and student.
- Discuss pronunciation difficulties, unfamiliar words, emotional shades.
- This is a 30-minute exercise for each lesson.
### 2. In group work
- Hand out a selection of plays to students for independent work.
- They go into Chitacle in pairs and read among themselves or with native speakers.
- In the next lesson they discuss the experience.
### 3. As homework
- "Before the next lesson — one meeting on Chitacle."
- The student returns with a real experience of conversation.
- This is stronger than any exercise from a textbook.
### 4. As material for your own course
- Plays under the CC BY 4.0 license can be used in textbooks, on platforms, in any formats.
- With attribution to the author (Chitacle).
Online supervision through the viewer mode
In the Schedule a Meeting, Read to Me, and Read with a Friend modes, viewers can be invited to the meeting by link — authorization is not required. A teacher of Russian as a foreign language can join the student's meeting as a viewer: see and hear the live conversation in Russian, but not intervene.
This is a unique opportunity for RFL:
- Observe the student's real speech practice outside the "learning" situation.
- Hear the student's actual mistakes and successes in a live dialogue.
- After the meeting — discuss what you heard with the student.
- This is online supervision of learning in real time, without presence in the frame.
The student sees only the viewer counter — this isn't "the teacher is watching how you speak," it's "I'm nearby, I'm supporting."
Which plays are best for which level
- B1 short plays for two with simple themes. Request a selection "for B1."
- B2 most plays for two.
- C1–C2 complex texts, monoplays, philosophical dialogues.
What's important for the teacher
- Video is not recorded. The student is safe.
- The account is deleted instantly. If the student decides to leave — no delays.
- CC BY 4.0 license no legal complications.
- Support via email chitacle.online@gmail.com — you can consult.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chitacle?
An online theater for two: two people read an original play by roles over video call, right in the browser. 200+ original plays and monoplays — freely distributed under CC BY 4.0. Interface in five languages.
How do I get the play text as a file?
Write to chitacle.online@gmail.com with the play's title — we'll send you the file. You learn the title during your meeting in the theater.
On what terms can I use Chitacle plays?
All plays are freely distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0), perpetually and worldwide, with no rights claims. The only requirement — attribution to the author (Chitacle) and links to our resources.
Can I invite viewers to the meeting?
Yes, in all formats except instant matching. The viewer joins via a personal link. The same works for online supervision: a teacher, psychologist, or coach joins the student's or client's session as a viewer.
What languages does the interface support?
The Chitacle interface is in five languages: Русский · English · Español · العربية · 中文. The play repertoire is being translated and continues to grow.
How much does it cost?
Your first meeting is on us. After that — by individual meetings or a monthly subscription.
Legal side — Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.
Chitacle plays are freely distributed perpetually and worldwide, with no rights claims. You may copy, distribute, perform on stage, create derivative works, and use commercially. The only condition — attribution to the author (Chitacle) and links to our resources.
Your first meeting is on us
Head to the Dressing Room at play-read.online and check the box.
Your first meeting is on us.
Enter the theaterChitacle now speaks five languages — Русский · English · Español · العربية · 中文.
We did it quietly, but properly.