By Carol Pugliano-Martin

Product Description:

Teaching Tip:

Readers Theater is an excellent way to build fluency. This technique also allows all students to participate and succeed. English Language Learners, in particular, benefit from listening to the repeated readings of the text by other students. And as group members work together on fluency skills such as expression, intonation, and phrasing, they can offer each other feedback and encouragement. Students often feel more comfortable exploring new characters and experimenting with different voices without the burden of memorizing lines or movements.To prepare for Readers Theater, divide the class into groups. Give a copy of the play to each student. Assign the different speaking parts or have group members choose them together. Tell each group to read and rehearse their play many times. Give students plenty of practice time, reminding them to pay attention to the reading behaviors they learned. Once the members of a group feel confident with their reading, invite them to perform the play for the rest of the class.

Grades 2–3