In my last blog post I shared a collection of readers theater scripts adapted from published picture books. Today I’m sharing resources to help you get started with readers theater, or to make your current experience even better.
Let’s start with things I’ve learned through trial and error:
- Students perform better when they have some familiarity with the script. Reading the picture book version of the story aloud first helps them understand the “big picture” and allows them to hear any unfamiliar words. Bonus points if they can see the words on the pages as you read! You can also use scripts from familiar tales.
- Even young readers can participate with the right script. They may require more preparation and more practice, but they enjoy the spotlight just as much as older students!
- Highlight each character’s lines on a separate script to make it easy for readers to know when to speak, and be sure the pages of your script are numbered so you can easily redirect students who become lost. You use less paper when you print scripts on the front and back of each page, but it can be easier for students to follow along if their lines are only printed on one side of the page.
- Your performance will go more smoothly when you have better readers performing the more difficult parts. This sounds obvious, but even the least adept readers will often beg for a starring role so try to be aware of who can handle voicing a main character and who can’t, and assign parts accordingly. Classmates quickly become frustrated with poor readings, and their comments and complaints can be hurtful and discouraging.
- Check with individual students after giving out the scripts to see if there are any words in their part they’re unfamiliar with. Asking a general question of the whole group (“Anyone need help with any words in your part?”) will NOT result in kids asking for help, whereas one-on-one conferencing will allow you to assist as needed before the performance.
- Encourage students to be LOUD, and to experiment with different voices and accents, by giving LOTS of praise to the kids who throw themselves into their role. Keep it fun!
- Don’t hesitate to give repeat performances throughout the year, or even during the same class period. Students who don’t get a part the first time around will appreciate the opportunity to switch from audience member to performer. And as they become more familiar with the script, they will be able to give a smoother reading.
- And speaking of audience members, prepare the students who don’t have a speaking part to participate appropriately. Lead a discussion about the characteristics of a good listener, be clear with your expectations for the audience, and provide a copy of the script for everyone to follow along.
Here are links to some articles with more readers theater advice:
- This article from Scholastic has a list of benefits of using readers theater, and suggestions for getting started
- This article from Reading Rockets has advice on choosing scripts
- And this additional article from Reading Rockets explains how to use readers theater across the curriculum
- This article from Book Cart Queens has tips for organizing scripts and for virtual performances
Now it’s your turn to share your favorite tips and resources for using readers theater. Please leave a comment and let us in on your secrets!
All images in this post created by Lori June using Canva
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