Reader's Theater- A Fun Way to Play with Language!

Below you'll find a step-by-step set of directions for using reader's theater. It can be used with any book or poem or you can even make up your own scripts. I've also added a quick rhyme that I turned into a script so you can see just how easy it is to create. This script is a fun one because you can actually also use it when jumping rope with your child. Yes, I know, you may not jump rope but it is a great way to exercise the body and the mind. Enjoy!


Reader’s Theater

 

1.    Select a text to convert to a script or use a pre-made script. When working with heterogeneous groups you will be able to assign the reading parts based on the skill levels of the students. Generally you will want groups of no more than five.

2.   Once a script has been selected and the reading parts have been assigned, read the entire script to the students using the appropriate intonation.

3.   Locate difficult vocabulary within the text and reread the sentences that contain these vocabulary words to the students. Have them use the context of each sentence to determine the meaning of the words. The students may add these words to their vocabulary dictionaries per the instructions provided for the Vocabulary Dictionary Strategy. 

4.   Read the script together using the Choral Reading Strategy.

5.   Provide time for each student to silently read his or her assigned part of the script. Next allow them time to read aloud their part. This practice time allows them to focus on the correct pronunciation of the words, the meaning of the text and the flow of the language before they are asked to read it aloud to the group.

6.   Together read through the entire script several times and then discuss the storyline as a means of building comprehension.

7.   You may have the students construct paper plate masks with a popsicle stick attached to hold it up in front of his or her face when performing the reader’s theater or you may provide them with a hat to wear as a small costume.

8.   Perform the reader’s theater in front of a small audience when the students have mastered their reading parts. Remember that when using the reader’s theater strategy, the students are reading from the script when performing in front of the audience rather than memorizing the script. This differentiates this strategy from a play performance in which they add motions and perform without a script. Reader’s theater is often performed while seated.

 

Sample Reader’s Theater Poetry Script for Early Readers:

Turn the Rope

Author: Diane Brantley

 

N-1: Turn the rope, round and round.

N-2: Turn the rope, don’t hit the ground!

N-1: Turn the rope, way up high.

N-2: Turn the rope, don’t hit the sky.

N-1: Turn the rope, way down low.

N-2: Turn the rope, don’t go too slow.

N-1: Turn the rope, round and round.

N-2: Turn the rope, don’t make a sound.

N-1 and N-2: Shhh………..

 

N-1= Narrator One

N-2= Narrator Two

 

 

 

 

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