Here are some tips to help you adapt a Reader’s Theater script for your classroom needs:
- To use a script with the whole class, divide the class into several groups and have all groups read the script and then perform it for one another. Allow students who have the same part to work together to determine characterization, voice, and expression. Or use a script with a whole group by allowing several students to choral-read certain parts.
- Assign a part, such as a narrator, to be read by several students together. If you pair a stronger reader with less-capable readers, you provide modeling and support for the less-capable readers. Change the name of a character to fit the gender of the reader.
- Assign a part or parts to the teacher, principal, or other adult helper.
- To add readers, assign groups of readers to read specific parts.
- For scripts with narrators, assign a new narrator or narrators per page or scene.
- Students who don’t have a part can take responsibility for turning the lights on and off, or bringing props onstage. They can also dress up and appear onstage as extras.
- Have students help you find additional speeches or parts, such as introductions and conclusions.
- Add songs so that more students can participate in the performance.
What’s New @ Benchmark Education?
Reader’s Theater Word Plays – Language arts instruction has never been so much fun!
More posts about Reader’s Theater:
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
