Georgia Elementary School First Graders in Mrs. Dattilio’s class in conjunction with MJ Mitiguy, Enrichment Teacher, took to the stage to showcase their literary talents by using the Reader’s Theater format.
Reader’s Theater is a dramatic presentation of a written work in a script form. Readers read from a “script” and reading parts are divided among the readers. No memorization, costumes, or special lighting is needed. Presentations can easily be done in a K-3 classroom. Scripts are held by the readers. Lines are not memorized. The focus is on reading the text with expressive voices and gestures, making comprehension of the text meaningful and fun for the student!
Our Reader’s Theater performers loved it! Students become excited and enthusiastic about reading when they are presented with the opportunity to participate in Reader’s Theater. In literary lessons, students develop scripts, perform in groups, and practice using their voice to depict characters from texts. Through this activity, students have the opportunity to develop fluency and further enhance comprehension of what they are reading.
The use of Reader’s Theater can offer a different context in which students are exposed to texts focusing on poetry, science, social studies, or other content-related topics. Reader’s Theater is another way to enhance comprehension of text, as well as to create interest in and enthusiasm for learning.
The Reader’s Theater format provides an opportunity for students to develop fluency through multiple readings of the text by using expressiveness, intonation, and inflection when rehearsing the text. Find out more through the links below:
http://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm
Target 3. Flexible Learning Environments – FWSU will maximize flexible learning environments by redefining the school day, promoting learning experiences that extend beyond the school classroom, and fostering creativity, innovation, and differentiated learning opportunities for all.
Action Step – Provide students with access to content, resources, and methods for learning beyond the school day and beyond the school walls. Develop opportunities for students to collaborate, innovate, create and conceptualize in all learning settings.
The FWSU Story 