Educational Resources - Learning Tools

Readers Theatre Online Canada provides scripts for grades K-10 to help develop reading and communication abilities. The following is an example from a Teacher's Guide. Please continue to our site for more information.

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Example:

PRIMARY READINGS: SEVEN STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL PRIMARY READING

When reading with primary reading levels, early ESL, or remedial reading groups, it is important to choose scripts which feature predictable stories where special words and phrases are repeated throughout the reading.

In most Primary Readings, the teacher takes on the role of the major narrator while children participate by reading (or reciting) simple words, phrases, chants, and repeated lines. This method resembles participation storytelling where young children assist the storyteller in telling a story by listening and then repeating on cue.

Because young readers who believe they can read actually will become readers, it is important to duplicate scripts and distribute them to all children, regardless of reading abilities. The scripts contain the actual words of the story and help children relate the story they are about to hear read aloud to words on a page.

SEVEN STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL PRIMARY READING:

Step 1: Duplicate and distribute scripts.

Step 2: Read the script out loud to the children and encourage all children to join in on the receptive words and phrases marked ALL.

Step 3: After the story has been read once or twice, you may wish to help children underline the ALL lines.

Step 4: Then, you and the children will be ready to read the script again, identifying each underlined section as it comes along.

Step 5: If simple solo lines or character parts are needed, assign or ask for volunteers. Help these readers underline their parts in different color. Rehearse the lines with each reader.

Step 6: Read the story again, including all readers.

Step 7: Encourage readers to illustrate their scripts and start their own script collections in colorful binders. These scripts my be taken home for re-reading with siblings or adults.

Throughout the year, parts may be swapped, and scripts read over and over again. Perform your favorite and most practiced stories for parents on Parents Day!

CIRCLE READINGS: EIGHT STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL CIRCLE READING

Circle readings allows children to read all the different parts, experiment with voices, and, eventually, choose favorite roles! This method helps build reader confidence because it is non-threatening, non-competitive, and gives all readers a chance to read all roles.

EIGHT STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL CIRCLE READING

Step 1: Duplicate Classroom Scripts for your readers. (Two free Classroom Scripts for printing and copying can be found at the end of this guide).

Step 2: Ask your readers to silently read through the entire story.

Step 3: After all readers have read the story silently, gather readers into a large circle. Include yourself in the circle, if possible.

Step 4: Next, begin by asking the reader on your left to read the first reader's part in the script, the next person to read the second reader's part, and so on. No individual reading parts are assigned at this point. Each reader reads in turn around the circle. Teacher can join in on the reading too.

Step 5: When the circle has completed the story, take time to discuss reader parts. What does each character look like? What kind of personalities do they have? How might they sound? How would each character stand or sit? What might each character wear?

Step 6: Discuss the importance of each narrator. Explore how the narrators introduce the story, fill in all the narrative details, set the proper mood for the story action, and help the character readers set and keep the right reading pace.

Step 7: Review meanings and pronunciations of any difficult words.

Step 8: Now, ask your readers to volunteer for specific reading parts. Ask each volunteer to underline his or her lines, then read the script aloud again. Swap parts and scripts around the circle and read again. Continue until interest lags or time runs out.

Example:

INSTANT READINGS: EIGHT STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL INSTANT READING

INSTANT READINGS are perfect rainy day activities, or a great way to fill in a few minutes during or at the end of a day. A script may be read once or twice, put away, then reintroduced throughout the school year. By following the steps below, a teacher can immediately involve students in a meaningful reading activity.

EIGHT STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL INSTANT READING

Step 1: Duplicate Classroom Scripts, as needed.

Step 2: Pass scripts to all class members, or ask students to share scripts in pairs.

Step 3: Ask students to read through the scripts silently. Younger children can listen as teacher reads the story aloud.

Step 4: Assign parts to various members of the class. Ask them to take a few minutes to underline their assigned lines in the script. Ask readers to write their character name or reader number on the front of the script.

Step 5: Now, assigned readers can read story aloud from their seats. Correct pronunciations, clarify meanings, and ask readers to make notes on their scripts, if needed. Try to keep the story moving, however!

Step 6: Next, ask same readers to assemble in front of class for the second reading.

Step 7: When this reading is completed, discuss (story, reading, or both), reassess parts, swap scripts, and read again.

Step 8: Continue until interest lags. Collect scripts. You might want to have a classroom reading of this type on a regular basis, once or twice a week.