Introduction

What is Reader’s Theater?

Reader’s Theater is a way of presenting literature in a dramatic way. Students read a book or story written in script form, and then perform a play by reading the script aloud to the audience.

Students bring characters and events in the script to life by using their voice expressively. Since the story is conveyed through the reader’s voice and facial expressions, minimal costumes and props are used and there is no need for a stage.

Why Use Reader’s Theater?

1.     It has an authentic, communicative purpose – students present a piece of literature to an audience.

2.    It promotes repeated reading. Students read their texts repeatedly in order to practice for their performance. Repeated reading improves reading fluency. Fluency is the music of language. It promotes correct intonation in the context of the text.

Research has shown that reading fluency improves oral fluency. Reader’s theater will assist students in reading accurately and expressively. They will learn to chunk words properly and read at a rate that promotes comprehension. Their vocabulary will also improve. These are the same skills required for oral interactions. Through reader’s theater, students will develop both fluency and accuracy in their speaking.

3.     It enhances comprehension. Students must understand the characters, setting, and plot in order to produce a good performance.

4.     It builds good social interaction and collaboration among students.

Link: Watch the first half of the national broadcast modeling Reader's Theater