86 Reader’s Theatre
Madison Long
Strategy Overview
- Readers Theater is an incredible way for students to build on their fluency skills in reading and writing.
- This strategy allows for students to not only grow in their reading literacy development, but also in their communication and self confidence abilities.
- The benefits of this activity include “develop fluency through repeated exposure to text, increase comprehension, integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening in an authentic context, engage students, create confidence and improve the self-image of students, provide a real purpose for reading, provide opportunities for cooperative learning” (Cornwell, n.d.).
Strategy in Action
Readers Theatre is a highly motivational reading strategy that provides a context for authentic reading. Students read to convey meaning using their voice, facial expressions, and gestures. They also analyze and respond to literature and increase reading fluency. The only requirement is the script; costumes, props, and make-up are not necessary. (Carrick, 2020)
Student Example
- Students receive a copy of the specific script that educators have picked out for them.
- Students begin to read through the script to have a general idea of the context of the story.
- Students are casted in roles within the play, in order for the students to expand on their characterization and tones.
- Students practice their parts to become more comfortable and confident with the performance.
- It’s performance time!
Related Resources
- Reader’s Theater | Reading Rockets
- Readers Theatre | Read Write Think
- Reader’s Theater Teaching Strategy | Facing History & Ourselves
References
Carrick, L. U. (2000). The effects of readers theatre on fluency and comprehension on fifth grade students in regular classrooms. Lehigh University. https://preserve.lehigh.edu/lehigh-scholarship/graduate-publications-theses-dissertations/theses-dissertations/effects-readers
Cornwell, L. (n.d.). Understanding Readers Theater in Classrooms. Scholastic. https://www.scribd.com/doc/136616261/What-is-Readers-Theater
