Readers Theatre:
Becoming an Enthusiastic Reader

Brainstorm ways of reading with children that helps them become more engaged in the story. Do any of the ideas transfer into Readers Theatre?

Use the Three Little Kittens rhyme to practice doing Readers Theatre. Perform the rhyme for the children when they return to the class.

Readers Theatre is an opportunity to have fun while letting your voice be free. You practice using your voice in ways that you may not normally during your regular day. With Readers Theatre you use different voices and sounds, facial expressions and gestures to engage your audience and to tell your story. At the same time, you improve your reading skills.

Readers Theatre generally involves two or more readers reading aloud. Each reader has a copy of the script so there is no need to memorize the lines.

Why do it?

• It’s fun!
• It promotes cooperation and teamwork.
• It helps develop an interest in reading and can transform reluctant readers into enthusiastic readers.
• The repeated reading aloud helps improve confidence and self-esteem and develops reading fluency.
• It improves listening skills.

For more information about Reader’s Theatre, to find scripts and to learn
about writing your own script, please go to our website:
http://www.nwt.literacy.ca/famlit/howtokit/theatre/cover.htm