There is quite a bit of material on the internet on the topic, known variously as:
- Reader's Theater,
- Play Reading Group, and
- Script Reading Group.
Its use in teaching language fluency has been formally researched and published.
There is some discussion of using it for "English Learners," meaning English as a second language.
The idea of attending a professional performance after the reading seems to be novel.
"A great deal of fluency research reiterates the need for repeated reading," reported Finney. "Without fluency, there is little comprehension; the value of Reader's Theater is increased tenfold when used as a strategy for increasing understanding of what is being read."
Why use reader's theater?It promotes fluency.It helps readers learn to read aloud with expression.It helps build reading confidence.
Who, or I should say what, is WALTeR?WALTeR is an acronym.Often, when students discuss characters, they can identify a trait: courageous, cowardly, rebellious, etc. However, they make general comments, neglecting the specific details needed to support their claim. Some students struggle because they don’t understand the concept of a specific, relevant detail. These students don’t take any notes because they don't which details are specific or relevant.Others think that every page is riddled with supporting details. Every class has at least a few of these students. They are the ones who highlight every word in every line. Both responses are understandable because identifying the BEST relevant details to support a claim requires higher level thinking, analyzing and evaluating. Analyze CHARACTER TRAITS with WALTeR, to remind students to focus on specific details related to character traits by suggesting details to look for:
Character’s Words: What a characters says through dialogue and how he says it gives a clue to his personality. Is the character saying it in an angry, sarcastic, frustrated, or humorous tone? This adds meaning beyond the literal interpretation.Character’s Actions: How a character acts or behaves gives insight beyond their words. A character might say he is tough, but does he act tough? Why is he angry when his friends throw a surprise birthday party? Why does he hide when he sees his best friend approaching?Character’s Looks: Physical traits contribute to a person’s character. They sometimes create conflicts that must be overcome before there is a resolution. Identify outstanding physical traits that contribute to external or internal conflicts.Character’s Thoughts: Climb inside the character’s head. What is the character thinking? When an author invites you inside a character’s head, they are revealing something about the character: fears, dreams, goals, beliefs, etc. Pay attention to the character’s secret thoughts.
Other Characters Respond: Other characters will react to the main character is a positive, negative or indifferent manner. When other characters respond in a dramatic manner, positive or negative, take notice.
Other links:
