What is Reader’s Theater?

1. What is Reader’s Theater?

2. What is Reader’s Theater • Readers Theater is readers reading a script adapted from literature, and the audience picturing the action from hearing the script being read aloud. • It requires no sets, costumes, props, or memorized lines. Instead of acting out literature as in a play, the performer’s goal is to read a script aloud effectively, enabling the audience to visualize the action. • Performers bring the text alive by using voice, facial expressions, and some gestures

3. Why do it? You want to be their smartest kids in 5th grade! • Reader's Theater proved to be almost a magic solution for Griffith: In just 10 weeks of using RT, every child in her class had gained a full grade level in reading. After a year, the children's gains had jumped to three years of growth. Griffith calls the transformation in their reading fluency "totally remarkable." • Interested? Thought so!

4. How do we do it well? • Reads with expression, proper emphasis, and clear enunciation, using his/her voice effectively to convey meaning. • Projects to the audience. • Is familiar with the part and is able to read it with fluency. • Paces himself/herself effectively. • Uses props, when employed, effectively (the script is a prop). • Demonstrates poise and self-confidence.

5. Can We See it? • Actors: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o5BfQ9-h1Y • These high school kids created their own fairy tale • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFYY-2iRQYU • You think you are too cool don’t you? Check out these 8th graders having a blast in Philly! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_nB5Pol-HY