Readers' Theater

I have found that no matter what age my students are, they enjoy readers' theater.  Especially this time of year when they are wrapping up the year with state testing and have had enough of sitting and working and learning.  All you need is multiple copies of an engaging script and maybe a basket of props (hats, scarves, crazy sunglasses, masks, etc.) and you are set to go!


And the Research Says...

Now, something can be fun and engaging, but we all know that research drives our instruction.  So, what are the benefits of engaging our students in readers' theater?

1.  Improves reading fluency

This one is quite obvious.  Readers' theater forces students to practice reading their scripts/parts over and over again, with the intent for performance.  They have to work on pronunciation, reading rate, and expression.  It's the perfect read aloud situation!  Susan Finney, an author for Education World states "that the goal of readers' theater is to enhance reading skill and confidence through practice with a purpose. [It] gives students a real reason to read aloud."  http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev082.shtml

2.  Builds confident readers

We already read in the above quote from Education World that confidence is one of the major goals in using readers' theater.  By starting with easy and fun scripts, students don't have to worry about struggling with decoding.  They can experience success right along with their peers by rehearsing their part in the script and performing with their group.  As they get used to readers' theater, the teacher can increase the reading difficulty as students increase in their reading skills.

3.  Increases reading comprehension

This benefit seems to "just happen" when using readers' theater.  When students are actively engaged and motivated to read with a readers' theater script, the comprehension of the text naturally follows.  Judy Freeman, a children's literature consultant states:  "If you're searching for a way to get your children reading aloud with comprehension... readers' theater is the miracle."  And she's right.  Students are more likely to be able to give details, identify character traits, and summarize what happens because they have read and reread and have been physically engaged with the text.

So, what are you waiting for?  Whether you teach in the primary grades or upper grades, reading or other content areas, there are readers' theater scripts for you.  One of my favorite things to create are unique scripts for my students.  A perfect springtime example is my script for Frog and Toad are Friends.

(click on picture to see product in my TpT store)

I have included a fun readers' theater script, based on the endearing story of Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel along with some great comprehension graphic organizers and a nonfiction companion text about the differences between frogs and toads.  

 

 

Visit my TpT store for more readers' theater products for primary grades and upper elementary grades!

Aesop's Fables Readers' Theater Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Aesops-Fables-Readers-Theater-Bundle-Best-Seller-797186

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs Activity Pack

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-True-Story-of-the-Three-Little-Pigs-Activity-Pack-1123637

Fairy Tales Readers' Theater Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fairy-Tale-Readers-Theater-Bundle-1370640

Aesop's Fables for Big Kids - The Ant and the Grasshopper

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Aesops-Fables-for-Big-Kids-The-Ant-and-the-Grasshopper-Close-Readingtoo-1233414

Thanks for reading!  

Martha Hach from "The Owl Spot"

www.mrshachsowlspot.blogspot.com

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