Why Reader's Theatre?

Reader's Theatre (RT) gives struggling readers something worksheets don't: a reason to re-read. The performance creates natural motivation. Students aren't re-reading because the teacher said so; they're re-reading because they don't want to fumble their lines.

RT simultaneously builds decoding (word recognition through repeated exposure), word knowledge (vocabulary in context), and comprehension (understanding meaning to read with expression).

The Five-Day Format

Day	Focus	Activities
Monday	Teacher Model	Teacher reads scripts aloud. Students choose scripts and read for overall meaning.
Tuesday	Parts & Decoding	Pick parts. Focus on decoding and word recognition. Rehearse.
Wednesday	Expression	Focus on expression. Use the meaning of the text. Discuss and coach as needed.
Thursday	Final Practice	Practice the performance. Ensure success and build confidence.
Friday	Performance!	Perform for an audience. Celebrate reading!

Reader's Theatre + Morphology

Design or choose scripts that reinforce specific morphological patterns:

Prefix	Meaning	Words in Script
un-	not	unfamiliar, unexplored, unbelievable, unseen, unharmed
re-	again	retrace, return, rethink, retell
pre-	before	prepared, precharged, prehistoric

Student-Produced Scripts

Have students write their own scripts based on content they're studying. This adds writing, comprehension, and content knowledge to the fluency practice.

Poetry Academy

• Students choose a poem
• Rehearse the poem daily
• Recite to a volunteer or audience

Poetry Slams

Day	Focus
1	Choose a poem and read for overall meaning
2	Word identification and decoding
3	Prosody and expression
4	Practice for a partner
5	Dim the lights, dress in black, perform, and 'snap clap'!

Resources

• thebestclass.org — Free scripts and activities
• LiTerrific.com — Professional development and resources
• Creative English Teacher — Additional script sources