Reader’s Theater and plays are a huge motivational factor for students. I have already touched on it a few times in my blogging, but it is really a deal breaker for some students. Some students just do not like reading, and it is not an interest for them. Reader’s Theater is really able to reach those kids. We are no longer asking them to read silently at their desk or at home; we are asking them to perform for an audience. This is a whole different scenario for students, and it is one that most students thrive in. They have a purpose, an interest, and it is something different.
I have found a few really great websites for Reader’s Theater, but one that really stood out to me was the Zoom Playhouse site from PBSkids.org. The website is actually activities from the show Zoom, which unfortunately I have never seen. There are tons of great activities for students to participate in and also opportunities to outreach into the community. Under Zoom Playhouse, there are many Reader’s Theater scripts. When you click on the title of a script, the characters and setting are listed at the top, and the script is right underneath. The scripts are easily readable, which is a definite plus. If you really want to be adventurous, a list of props and costumes is listed with each script. Some of the scripts have video clips from the show that go along with them, which might be fun to show your class before or after they have preformed their own Reader’s Theater with the script. There are also printer-friendly versions of each script. The only thing that I would like to change is that the scripts are not leveled. If you have leveled books at your school, you may be able to figure out about what level each script is but it still might be a bit difficult. Giving students background and discussing vocabulary before they start reading the script is a must. Check out this site for some great, motivating scripts!
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