Readers Theater Lesson Plan

Curriculum Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4

Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.6

Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 6 Language standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.)

Key Vocabulary

• Readers theater
• Minimalism
• Performative
• Developmental
• Educational

Materials

• Paper copies of the text lesson What is Readers Theater? - Definition & Examples, one per student
• A worksheet created using the quiz associated with the text lesson
• Several video clips exemplifying readers theater
• Photocopies of a dialogue-rich script with many characters, one copy per student
• Small slips of paper, each with one character's name from the script
• A bowl or container
• Highlighters

Instructions

• Begin by placing all of the character name slips in the bowl.
• Have students take turns drawing one slip from the bowl. The name they draw will be their character in the script.
  • If you have a large class, you may need to designate two 'casts.'
• Pass out the copies of the text lesson to the class.
• Instruct the class to read the introduction and 'The Roots of Readers Theater' sections of the text lesson.
• As they are reading, write the vocabulary terms on the board.
• Review the meaning of each vocabulary term with the class when they have finished reading.
• Now have the class read the rest of the text lesson.
• Pass out the worksheet and have students work independently to complete it.
• Once complete, go over the quiz in its entirety, answering any questions students may have before moving on to the activity.

Activity

• Explain that the class will be practicing the 'performative' type of readers theater in this activity.
• Play the video clips for the class to demonstrate what performative readers theater looks like.
• Pass out the copies of the script.
• Using the character's name that they drew from the bowl earlier in class, have students go through the script highlighting each line of their character's text.
• Complete a read-through of the script, asking each student to stand and simply read his or her lines as they appear in the script. You should cover the lines of any additional characters.
• Once the students have familiarized themselves with their parts, complete another read-through of the script, this time asking the students to use great emotion while reading their lines.
  • How did the two read-throughs differ?
  • How would the performances change with the use of props, costumes, a set, and so on?

Extensions

• Play examples of old radio broadcasts for the class to exemplify readers theater.
• Have students select an audiobook to listen to as an example of readers theater.

Related Lessons

• History of Drama: Dramatic Movements and Time Periods
• Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: Importance in Public Speaking
• Managing Anxiety About Public Speaking: Strategies & Tips