Readers' Theatre
Reader’s Theatre involves the repeated reading of an often content- based script. Reader’s theatre builds fluency, can enhance student comprehension of text, and augments enthusiasm for the task at hand (Kimbell-Lopez, 2003; Coleman & Alsman, 2002; Trainin & Andrzejczak, 2006 as cited in Jones, et al., in press). When teachers align Reader’s Theatre scripts with content area standards, students are able to practice fluency while gaining experience with purposeful and meaningful content (Jones, et al., in press).
Steps:(1) Select scripts that align with your current content. (See “resources” section for a lesson plan from readwritethink.org that has students develop their own scripts.)
(2) Students should have time to practice the script; allow the group to read through the script at least 5 times. (3) Students perform the script for their classmates, other grade levels, or parents. Students are reading the script, they are not expected to memorize the lines. So, teachers should make sure that students bring their scripts with them to perform. * An additional performance option is to allow a student to record while students perform. The students can then crique and refine their performance. |
CCSS Connection:CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. |
Additional Resources:
Jones. J., Burr, S. Kauffman, L. Beck, J. (in press). Beyond the fluff: Integrating fine arts in the common core classroom. Focus on Inclusive Education.
Link to a lesson plan that allows students to develop and perform their own RT scripts: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/readers-theatre-172.html
Free RT scripts: http://www.aaronshep.com/rt/RTE.html
Description of RT: http://www.scholastic.com/librarians/programs/whatisrt.htm
RT scripts: http://scriptsforschools.com/
Link to a lesson plan that allows students to develop and perform their own RT scripts: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/readers-theatre-172.html
Free RT scripts: http://www.aaronshep.com/rt/RTE.html
Description of RT: http://www.scholastic.com/librarians/programs/whatisrt.htm
RT scripts: http://scriptsforschools.com/