Reader’s theater often creates a buzz of extra excitement for your students. But if they have not learned how to channel their excitement, it can lead to behavior problems. Before using a script, explain your expectations to students, model correct behaviors, and provide opportunities for students to practice correct behaviors in a controlled environment. You can observe and make notes to provide feedback during these times. Provide independent practice time for students to demonstrate correct behaviors.
For a student who has behavior problems, provide guidelines that explain the consequences of not behaving. Monitor the student’s success. Privately acknowledge the student’s accomplishment.
Several scenarios follow; each has its own set of potential behavior problems. In each case, you will want your students to understand what is expected of them and learn the indicated behaviors so that they can become good performers and respectful, cooperative listeners.
When working with a teacher-led group, students:
- meet quietly with the group
- practice listening to others as they read
- wait for their turn to read
- follow along while the script is being read
- follow instructions for what to do outside of the reading group
- ask for help when needed
In a rehearsal group, students:
- act responsibly when the teacher is not present
- know when it’s appropriate to help another student or make suggestions
- ask for help when needed
When not in a reading or rehearsal group, students:
- know the purpose and expectations for the activity, including standards of quality
- follow instructions for what to do when given seatwork or other activities
- know what supplies are needed, where to get them, and how to use them
- complete and turn in activity work
- clean up after an activity
- ask for help when needed
When part of an audience, students:
- demonstrate active listening
- stay silent during a performance
- give appropriate comments regarding the story, characters, and performance, using character names rather than the names of the performers
When performing, students:
- speak and act their parts
- are courteous while others are performing
- speak in a loud, clear voice using expression and fluency
- enunciate for understanding
- prompt others if necessary
- accept both criticism and praise appropriately
Read the 5-part Reader’s Theater Series:
- Reader’s Theater Day 1: Multiple Reading Opportunities
- Reader’s Theater Day 2: Echo-Reading
- Reader’s Theater Day 3: Choral Read and Table Read
- Reader’s Theater Day 4: Repeated Read/Rehearsal
- Reader’s Theater Day 5: Performance
