Who Doesn’t Love a Good Drama?

Reader’s Theatre in an elementary classroom

Using Reader’s Theatre in my classroom is one of my favorite ways to work on reading skills without the students realizing it! The holidays is a great time for Reader’s Theatre in the classroom. The students are getting antsy (OK- so maybe the teachers are too!) but, you want to continue to keep students engaged in learning activities. Enter Reader’s Theatre…

Why do I love Reader’s Theatre?

I love, love, love to utilize a good Reader’s Theatre in the classroom. I have used it with every grade level in which I have taught. The benefits of using Reader’s Theatre with students has been lauded by many. Some of my favorite reasons are:

• It gives your lower readers an opportunity to be successful in front of the whole class.
• It is a fun and engaging way to explore literature, allowing for students to interject interpretation and possibly ignite a fire for performing.
• Gives everyone a chance to work on fluency and adding expression to their reading that enhancing the telling of a story.
• You have the ability to assign parts that ensures success for ALL students. Oftentimes providing success for a student that is not often successful in the classroom.
• In addition, Reader’s theatre provides motivation and purpose for reading that some students crave.
• Comprehension increases with multiple reading of the text.
• Finally, all students need experience, exposure and practice with presentation skills. It is such a fun way to practice projection and articulation!

But, how do you utilize it in the classroom?

The most important step is finding a script that your kiddos will enjoy. I am providing links to several of my Reader’s Theatre at the end of the post; however, you can also find or create your own!

After choosing your script, you can implement your choice of line practice and presentation style. Here are a few for you to consider!

• I always read the actual picture book aloud to the class first. Being sure to show all the pictures! Display the book.
• Look over and notes provided by the script author or review the script yourself to determine how to assign parts.
• Pass out one script per person and assign parts. Give students a chance to color or highlight each of his/her lines. THIS IS THEIR FAVORITE PART!
• To Prepare: you can then, simply allow the group to meet and read through the script multiple times.
• Or- you can choose to have the students take the script home and practice their lines first, then meet as a group to rehearse.
• Or- you can meet with individuals or in small groups to review parts before a whole group reading.
• Then, you can choose level of presentation that best fits with your time and class, or come up with your own variation!
• Simple Presentation: All students stay in their seats. After one or two practice run-throughs, have the students present it.
• Or- Students practice at home for several days, with a quick read through together in class. Students stand in front of the class for the final presentation. (The option I used most frequently in my class.)
• Or- Students practice at home and school, adding some motion and actions, maybe even simple costume additions. Then, present to other students.
• Or- (My Favorite) Have the students create a full play based on the Reader’s Theatre script. Students should act out the scenes with props and costumes. Playbill, accompanying music, costumes, etc. can be included. Present in front of a largeraudience. (These are usually better for longer stories.)

If you have never added Reader’s Theatre to your classroom, jump on it! You will not regret it. The joy of seeing your struggling reader be the star of the show is SO worth it!

Click below to view and purchase my Reader’s Theatre activities on TPT.