How to Use Readers' Theater
RT Lesson in Ten Easy Steps
Step 1: Select a script that has an appropriate language level, interesting content, and the right number of roles (see RT Resources page).
Step 2: Build background knowledge. You can do this in a number of ways: use realia, photos, or illustrations; write in a journal; view a video related to the topic; emphasize key vocabulary; take a pretest; use talking drawings; create/administer a survey, etc.
Step 3: Review the parts of a script (title, stage directions, narrator, dialogue, etc.)
Step 4: Distribute roles.
Step 5: Ask students to highlight their lines.
Step 6: Allow time for students to read independently. Let them work through vocabulary, character, story. Feel free to expand upon this by using the characterization map and setting map I have developed.
Step 7: Work on comprehension: cut out or draw pictures, illustrate the main idea, make a cartoon strip showing the sequence of events, retell the story in your words, paint a picture of some aspect you like, write a summary report of an event, prepare a flow chart to illustrate the sequence of events, make a colouring book.
Step 8: Practice the script.
Step 9: Work on adding expression, intonation, speed, movement/blocking.
Step 10: Perform either for an audience or a video camera.
Step 2: Build background knowledge. You can do this in a number of ways: use realia, photos, or illustrations; write in a journal; view a video related to the topic; emphasize key vocabulary; take a pretest; use talking drawings; create/administer a survey, etc.
Step 3: Review the parts of a script (title, stage directions, narrator, dialogue, etc.)
Step 4: Distribute roles.
Step 5: Ask students to highlight their lines.
Step 6: Allow time for students to read independently. Let them work through vocabulary, character, story. Feel free to expand upon this by using the characterization map and setting map I have developed.
Step 7: Work on comprehension: cut out or draw pictures, illustrate the main idea, make a cartoon strip showing the sequence of events, retell the story in your words, paint a picture of some aspect you like, write a summary report of an event, prepare a flow chart to illustrate the sequence of events, make a colouring book.
Step 8: Practice the script.
Step 9: Work on adding expression, intonation, speed, movement/blocking.
Step 10: Perform either for an audience or a video camera.
ReadWriteThink Readers' Theater Lesson
Grades: 3 – 5
Estimated Time: Four 60-minute sessions
Lesson Author: Laurie A. Henry, Ph.D.
Publisher: International Reading Association
Be sure to click through all the tabs: Preview, Standards, Resources & Preparation, Instructional Plan, Related Resources, and Comments.
Estimated Time: Four 60-minute sessions
Lesson Author: Laurie A. Henry, Ph.D.
Publisher: International Reading Association
Be sure to click through all the tabs: Preview, Standards, Resources & Preparation, Instructional Plan, Related Resources, and Comments.