Readers+Theater

= Readers’ Theater =



Readers’ Theater is a SDAIE strategy in which students are able to bring stories and characters to life through oral interpretation of text. It gives students the opportunity to perform a play by reading a script aloud. It is an ideal strategy to increase students reading fluency and improve comprehension. For Readers’ theater there are no props or costumes required and students are not required to memorize scripts.
 * __What is it? __**

**__Readers' Theater: A Guide __**

· Teacher Preparation: Teacher choses a script based on a text students will be reading in the class. The teacher makes copies for each student. In order for each student to have a part the teacher will divide the class into groups. Each group will perform the play. · Monday: Students will read text as they normally do. Then the teacher will explain what Reader’s Theater is to the class. She will divide the students in groups, provide scripts and assign parts. (Parts can be assigned a number of ways, but usually students can volunteer.) Once all the students have the scripts, the teacher will provide them time to practice. However, the teacher will discuss the importance of reading with fluency to the students.
 * Students must think about how they are using their voice and how they are using expression when they are reading. She will demonstrate reading with fluency for the students.
 * She will provide the following guidelines for the students.
 * The students should look up occassionally at the audience as they read.
 * Read clearly with feeling.
 * Listen quietly and politely as others read.
 * Finally, the teacher can have the students take the following pledge.
 * ======As I read a script aloud, I will read the words carefully. I’ll correct myself if I make any mistakes. I will raise and lower my voice to show the character’s feelings and emotions. ======
 * ======Students will then be assigned parts by having them volunteer or audition. Practice needs to be done aloud and also silently. ======

· Friday: At the end of the week students will perform. Students can read/perform their scripts for an audience of classmates.
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**__References: __** <span style="background: white; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">http://www.literacyconnections.com/ReadersTheater.php <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">[]