creative dramatics

The Reasons Reader’s Theater is Successful with Our Students

When I was a little girl, I loved to read aloud.  I was good at it, too!  I think it’s where I realized performing was something I loved because by reading aloud it gave me an opportunity to try out characters and voices.

My teachers readily noticed this about me, too. As a result, I was always asked to read aloud.  I felt very special at the moment.

Because I am very creative and drill work absolutely bores me, I wasn’t always the best student.

But reading aloud?  Oh, that’s so me….

I was looking around the internet to find some other educators (which there are many) who believed as strongly as I do about reading aloud.  My favorite method is through reader’s theater.

In case, you are unfamiliar with Reader’s Theater here is a good definition from the Education World website, a wonderful retired Language Arts Teacher,

“In Reader’s Theater, students “perform” by reading scripts created from grade-level books or stories — generally without benefit of costumes and props. The goal is to enhance reading skill and confidence through practice with a purpose. Reader’s Theater gives students a real reason to read aloud.

“A great deal of fluency research reiterates the need for repeated reading,” reported Finney. “Without fluency, there is little comprehension; the value of Reader’s Theater is increased tenfold when used as a strategy for increasing understanding of what is being read.”

Reader’s Theater motivates reluctant readers and provides fluent readers with the opportunity to explore genre and characterization.”

Yes, yes and one more yes!

Reader’s Theater motivate reluctant readers and provides them a safe environment.  They can actually “hide” behind a script.  As they focus on the script, they become unaware of reading aloud in front others.

Here are the Reasons I think Reader’s Theater Works:

1.  It strengthens one’s reading–repeated reading of words makes them familiar.
2.  It’s a safe way to involve reluctant readers.
3.  Generally, the stories are short and highly engaging.  (No one wants to read a boring script aloud!)
4.  It’s a great way to read different genres without having to commit to an entire book.
5.  It “feels” like you are performing, but in a non-threatening manner.
6.  Because students feel safe, their inner performer is more likely to emerge.

My only advice: I wouldn’t suggest putting kids on a stage to try out reader’s theater.  You have just shot yourself in the foot!  I promise, it won’t go well.

The Reasons Reader’s Theater is Successful with Our Students

Here is more from Education World.

Judy Freeman a literature consultant states,

“Reader’s Theater allows children the luxury of lingering over a story; acting it out many times so they come to understand all its nuances,” Freeman explained. “Too often, children read a story and only understand it at its most superficial literal level. With Reader’s Theater, they’re not just reading a story; they’re living it.”

“Always perform a Reader’s Theater script at least twice,” she advises. “The first time, the children will be struggling with words and their meanings, and with making sense of the play. It’ll be rough, but who cares? The second time, they’ll be able to focus on enjoying the performance and their parts in it. You can, if you wish, carry it further, adding props, costumes, and scenery; memorizing lines; or even putting on the play for other groups. You don’t have to, though. It’s the process that’s important here, not a finished product.”

That’s an important statement–it’s not a finished product.

To sum up in one phrase–Reader’s Theater allows for trial and error when reading.

Multicultural Folk Tales Reader’s Theater Scripts

I’ve penned several reader’s theater scripts.  Each is based on a multicultural folk tale.

Reader’s Theater:  The Sprightly Tailor

If you are looking for some different reader’s theater scripts, I’m your gal.  Because of my extensive experience teaching and directing (38 years–yikes!), you can trust the quality of these scripts.

AND HERE’S SOMETHING ELSE…

Each of these units comes with original songs written especially for the piece.  How cool is that?

This is not just a script, it’s a unit!

Here’s what you receive:

•  Letter to teacher
•  Warm up exercise
•  Advice in directing reader’s theater
• Blocking plot for teacher’s staging needs
•  Scripts with roles for large classes
• Original song

Does this sound good to you?  Check them out at:  Dramamommaspeaks Store

Here’s a new bundle you may enjoy:  Comical Reader’s Theater Scripts and Units

The Reasons Reader’s Theater is Successful with Our Students

When I taught at Smithton Middle School in Columbia, MO I used reader’s theater with an after school Drama club for ESL students.  This was about fifteen years ago.  At the time I used one of Aaron Shepherd’s scripts.  They are terrific.

Another time, I used a reader’s theater script version of Holes.  We invited reluctant readers to be involved.  I asked several administrators and teachers to play the adult roles.  It was absolutely awesome and we performed the script for the entire school.

What a boost in self confidence this was for those boys.

I co-created a youth theater program in Columbia as well–P.A.C.E. or Performing Arts in Children’s Education. We performed A Christmas Story as a stage reading.  Stage readings are very similar to reader’s theater.  You might think performing with script in hand would distract or detract from the performances.  Nope.  The audience loved it anyway.

So, I hope you’ll give reader’s theater a try whether you are in a drama class, high school language arts or social studies.  It’s not just for elementary students anymore.

What reader’s theater have you done in your class?  I’d love to hear about it.  Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Abdullah’s Gold

The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds

Saturday, Sunday and Monday

It Could Always Be Worse

Li Chi the Serpent Slayer

Sedna, an Inuit Tale

The Brave Little Tailor