Readers' Theatre
Definition and Purpose
Readers’ theatre is a dramatic performance of a script by a group of readers. Children are assigned parts, rehearse by reading their characters’ lines in the script, and then do a performance for their classmates. Readers’ theatre is the telling of a story with voices rather than using actions. Costumes and props aren’t necessary; however, adding a few small props enhances interest as long as they don’t interfere with the quality of the reading.
Readers’ theatre allows children the opportunity to read good literature, interpret characters and bring the text to life. Readers’ theatre is a motivational way to increase students’ reading fluency; it is also excellent practice in reading for information, understanding the perspectives of others and motivating students to engage in further reading.
Readers’ theatre can be done with either a small group or the whole class. Children are not required to memorize their scripts or spend long hours rehearsing so it avoids many restrictions that usual rehearsals may have.
Steps
1. The teacher will either select a script or allow the children to select a script. Once the script has been chosen the children will read and discuss it as they would any story. Afterward students will volunteer to read each part.
2. Children will decide how to use their voice, gestures and facial expression in order to interpret the characters they are reading. Children will read through the script several times in order to attain correct pronunciation and voice projection.
3. Readers’ theatre can be presented on a stage or in an open space within the classroom. Children will either stand or sit in a row and read their lines. They stay in position through the production or enter and leave according to the characters they are representing. The emphasis is on the quality of the readers’ voices and expressions.
Application and Examples
There are a variety of books available to use for readers’ theatre with primary grade students. For example the book “50 fabulous fables: beginning readers theatre” has 50 fables for children to choose from for a readers’ theatre. These have been made adaptable for primary grade students.
Readers’ theatre is a dramatic performance of a script by a group of readers. Children are assigned parts, rehearse by reading their characters’ lines in the script, and then do a performance for their classmates. Readers’ theatre is the telling of a story with voices rather than using actions. Costumes and props aren’t necessary; however, adding a few small props enhances interest as long as they don’t interfere with the quality of the reading.
Readers’ theatre allows children the opportunity to read good literature, interpret characters and bring the text to life. Readers’ theatre is a motivational way to increase students’ reading fluency; it is also excellent practice in reading for information, understanding the perspectives of others and motivating students to engage in further reading.
Readers’ theatre can be done with either a small group or the whole class. Children are not required to memorize their scripts or spend long hours rehearsing so it avoids many restrictions that usual rehearsals may have.
Steps
1. The teacher will either select a script or allow the children to select a script. Once the script has been chosen the children will read and discuss it as they would any story. Afterward students will volunteer to read each part.
2. Children will decide how to use their voice, gestures and facial expression in order to interpret the characters they are reading. Children will read through the script several times in order to attain correct pronunciation and voice projection.
3. Readers’ theatre can be presented on a stage or in an open space within the classroom. Children will either stand or sit in a row and read their lines. They stay in position through the production or enter and leave according to the characters they are representing. The emphasis is on the quality of the readers’ voices and expressions.
Application and Examples
There are a variety of books available to use for readers’ theatre with primary grade students. For example the book “50 fabulous fables: beginning readers theatre” has 50 fables for children to choose from for a readers’ theatre. These have been made adaptable for primary grade students.