1. Leila Eid Image from

2. What is readers theatre? Why use readers theatre in your classroom? Getting started Five easy steps Possible problems/challenges My experience Demonstration Questions

3. Readers theatre (also known as reader’s theatre, readers’ theatre, or RT) is defined in our text as “a dramatic performance of a script by a group of readers” (Black & Stave, 2007) The focus is on reading fluently, using expression – no memorization required

4. The benefits of readers theatre are extensive, and include: Fun Can be easily altered to suit the needs of your class Exposes students to new text features, types of text Incorporates drama into the classroom without students memorizing lines or investment in costumes and props Easily incorporated into other areas of the curriculum Promotes team work Helps students to develop oral skills in a non-threatening way (great for EAL students) Helps students develop fluency in reading

5. This is a low cost activity Scripts can be purchased through companies such as Literacy Place but there are also endless resources available online at no charge Simple props are optional but not necessary

6. Scholastic has outlined a summary of five easy steps on what you need to do to get started with readers theatre: 1.Choose a script 2.Adapt the script 3.Assign parts 4.Highlight parts and rehearse 5.Perform (http://www.teacher.scholastic.com/products/instructor/popups/rt_5steps.htm)http://www.teacher.scholastic.com/products/instructor/popups/rt_5steps.htm

7. Some students will not want to participate – this is not optional (just because it can be fun does not mean it is optional). It is important to include all students Character selection may cause drama amongst students – know your class and prepare Groups should be selected carefully – keep in mind personalities, and reading abilities

8. Goldie Locks and the Three Bears with grade 2

9. Samples of readers theatre

11. Mulders, D. (2004, 11/26). How to Kit: Readers Theatre. Retrieved January 14, 2011, from Northwest Territories Literacy Council: http://www.nwt.literacy.ca/resources/famlit/howtokit/theatre/the atre.pdf http://www.nwt.literacy.ca/resources/famlit/howtokit/theatre/the atre.pdf Swallow, R. (n.d.). Readers Theater. Retrieved January 16, 2011, from Timeless Teacher Stuff: http://www.timelessteacherstuff.com/ http://www.timelessteacherstuff.com/ Thornton, S. (2010). Readers Theatre. Retrieved January 16, 2011, from Improve Literacy with Audacity: http://audacity.pbworks.com/w/page/9933860/Reader's-Theatre http://audacity.pbworks.com/w/page/9933860/Reader's-Theatre Tompkins. (2011). Compendium of Instructional Procedures: Readers Theatre. In Tompkins, Literacy in the Early Years (3rd ed., pp. 359-360). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

12. Free reader’s theatre play scripts (scripts and related activities): http://www.storiestogrowby.com/script.html http://www.storiestogrowby.com/script.html Reader’s Theatre Scripts and Plays (brief description of readers theatre, and provides links to plays): http://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm http://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm Reader’s Theatre Scripts and Plays for the Classroom: http://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm http://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm

14. Picture from: Thornton, S. (2010). Readers Theatre. Retrieved January 16, 2011, from Improve Literacy with Audacity: http://audacity.pbworks.com/w/page/993386 0/Reader's-Theatre http://audacity.pbworks.com/w/page/993386 0/Reader's-Theatre