INTEGRATE the AR​TS​ 

Reader's Theater "HOW-TO"

 

Step 1: Select stories the students already know. 

There are a variety of resources available with FREE Reader's Theater scripts. I believe it works best to indulge the students in a story they are already familiar with. You might want to use the story you chose in your instruction in the weeks prior to introducing the script.

 

Step 2: Put children into groups and assign each group one of the scripts.

Each student should have one copies of the script, we will later give out another to utilizing at both school and home. 

 

Step 3: Have students read through the entire script.

 These scripts should be written at a readable level for the students to understand (which can generally be found in the resources provided). 

• Give the students the opportunity to read the script silenty (if level is approriate).

• If possible, have an adult (volunteer) read the script with the group first, while modeling fluent reading and good expression, while the student follow along. (The teacher may also record themselves reading it so the students may  This can be done as a literacy station!

 

Step 4: Spend 2-3 days having the groups read through their scripts outloud. 

During this time the students can take turns with different parts reading. As a teacher, take this time to walk around and give your students feedback (louder is better, begin thinking about character emotions, encourage movement) as well as take notes for prospective final character roles.

 

Step 5: Assign final roles.

Allow the students to highlight their parts in their scripts. This is where we would send additional copies of the script home, but have extras prepared in class.

 

Step 6: Spend 2-3 days rehearsing.

Coach each group and work oon fluency, expression, facial expressiona, and adding simple gestures. 

 

Step 7: Perform! 

This is the most important step! Some teachers have their students perform to their class first as a "practice" and then later invite other classes to join and watch. Students are much more motivated to work on their reading and drama skills isf they know they will have an audience. This can be as big or small as you would like, for example, you would pair groups up and have them perform to eachother!

 

Step 8: Write their own plays. 

Once your students become truly comfortable with Reader's Theatre, challenge them to do their own story to play adaptations. Have students work in pairs. Each pair can choose a story, tale, or biography and prepare a performance for the class!