Thing #20 You Tube TeacherTube

Reader's Theatre enables students to bring a favorite story to life, creating a powerful interpretation because the emphasis is on oral expression of the part, unlike the more traditional theatre with emphasis on acting and costumes. The less confident readers are encouraged freely by the group and feel less threatened because there is no memorization, very little movement, and a minimum of props.
The chosen videos will provide the students with models for creating 'the voice behind the page' in their own silent reading. Students are also provided a model of a live performance video of their favorite authors Avi, Sharon Creech,Walter Dean Myers and Sarah Weeks enjoying Reader's Theatre. (www.teaching books.net) I selected variations of an elementary favorite,The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka to model extensions one could make of Reader's Theatre projects.
Since it is rather difficult to find, or develop a part for every student, I have cooperative groups select their own texts to present from a collection of picture books or short stories.
Some groups get very involved and include costume, music and other props.
Another fun activity is to adapt the same story from various cultures. Cinderella is an excellent place to start. As the students become more familiar with Reader's Theatre, a gripping segment from any part of the book could be created into a Reader's Theatre with a brief introduction to set the scene.The benefits are rewarding as you begin to see an increase in their skills as readers, writers, listeners, and speakers.