A Comprehensive Guide to Readers Theatre

What is Readers Theater?

• Showcases the power of language
• Brings characters, story, content area or textbook material to life through their voices, actions, and words

Can be used with multiple genres

• Nonfiction
• Fiction
• Poetry

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• The idea is to share the story you've read with your audience from your own perspective!

Supplementary Activities for Students

• Organized into three sections: Writing, Visual, and Speaking

Examples of writing activities

• Character profile
• Letter to the character
• New ending
• Research project

Visual activities

• Mural (create visual of setting)
• Poster
• Video production

Speaking activities

• Audiotape recording
• Choral reading (all together)
• Dialogue practice
• Radio drama
• Real people, real stories (sharing stories)

Readers Theatre should include...

• Introduction
• Script
• Music
• Murals (shows interpretation of poem)
• Costumes

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• Students should discover an enjoyable way that connects both the meaning and the sound of the poem.
• This is where figurative language can be taught.

Now it's your turn!

In your group decide who will...

• introduce the poem and poet
• introduce the people in your group
• share information about your poet
• give an explanation of the poem that you will perform

Congratulations!

References

• Black, A., & Stave, A. M. (2007). A comprehensive guide to readers theatre : Enhancing fluency and comprehension in middle school and beyond. Newark, DE: International Reading Association. http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/toc/ecip077/2006101622.html
• JackJohnsonMusic.com