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“Readers Theater holds the promise of helping children appreciate the richness of words, the interpretation of stories, and the power of language as a vehicle for the comprehension and appreciation of literature” (Fredericks, 2011).
§ Source: Fredericks, A. "Building Literacy Bridges with Readers Theater"
With Readers Theater, the possibilities are endless! It is an exciting way to share literature with children of all ages and provide them with an opportunity to enjoy meaningful participation and, at the same time, reading practice to help develop reading fluency.
Readers Theater is relatively simple. Students read from scripts. These scripts are usually adapted form stories. There is a limited amount of “action” going on and the setting does not require any complex arrangement of props.
“This strategy has the support of a group and the group provides the necessary encouragement and support for those who are less confident when reading aloud. The group rehearses the script prior to performing it and any assistance with unfamiliar words is provided at the time of need” (Lowe, 2002).
So where can you find material for Readers Theater? Just about everywhere. Books, magazines, websites, journals. I can’t provide every source here, but I’ll name some resources that are perfect for the school library and tell you how to find more! I’ve provided many websites with Readers Theater Scripts below:
Readers Theater Scripts and Plays for the Classroom and School Library
Readers Theatre Scripts from A to Z
↓ ↓ ↓ more ↓ ↓ ↓
Evan-Moor publishes a series of Readers’ Theater books appropriate for many grade levels! (more grades available) ↓
Creative Teaching Press also publishes a series of Readers’ Theater books appropriate for many grade levels! Covers a variety of literature! ↓
This series below provides curriculum integration – Social Studies connections, Multiple Intelligences at play, Language Arts connections, storytelling and puppet play!
There are many ways to do Readers Theater performances. Although Readers Theater is generally done without costumes or props, why not “dress it up” a bit? Add costumes, makeup, and props to really make the show come alive! Perform in the classroom, the library, even the auditorium. Scripts for all grade levels K-12.
Find holiday scripts such as A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. I’ve provided a sample script.
Take a look at a few Readers Theater presentations on You-Tube:
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