Readers’ Theatre

Extended Reading Project

Unit 1

Risks and Consequences

The Process

Follow these steps:

1. Read the Readers’ Theatre scripts alone and then practice together as a group. (I will provide you with scripts.)

2. Analyze the format of the written scripts. Compare and contrast the format of the RT script and the narrative format. How are they the same? How are they different? (I will discuss with you what you find in your analysis.)

3. Read “Mrs. Frisby and the Crow” again with the task in mind that you will be converting this narrative into a Readers’ Theatre script.

Write the First Draft. Refer to this Reader's Theater script as a "model" of how to write the fable you selected into a script.

Follow the same formatting as The True Story of the Three Little Pigs script. Also, be sure to include the following items in your script in the order that they are shown:

Title of Reader's Theater (same name as Fable; centered and bold)
Based upon the fable written by Arnold Lobel
A Reader's Theater Script by [include the names of all members in your group]
A short summary of the fable (1-2 sentences and leave out the ending!)
Characters (in order of appearance)
Character (bold): [dialog] (not bold)

Next, visit Aaron Shepard's webpage shown below and read "Tips on Scripting" (see resources below) before you begin to draft your script.

4. Your group will type your script in a Reader's Theater format using Word Processing software (e.g., Word).

Revise and Print the Final Draft. Print a copy of the rough draft and proofread, edit, and revise the script using Word Processing software. Be sure to examine the items below for accuracy:

Proper "heading" at the top of the page with proper use of tabs (alignment)
Proper spacing throughout
Proper punctuation
Proper capitalization
All words spelled correctly (Spell Check + your proofing)
Proper formatting following the model

After revisions are completed, print a final copy for all members in the group and also turn in a final copy of the Script for evaluation, based on the Evaluation Rubric.

5. After you type the script, your group will work on rehearsing and staging the play.

Consider the Reader's Theater "Staging." The following tips are offered by Aaron Shepard's website to help prepare you to present your script to the class.

Characters may move around the stage much as in a play, acting out or suggesting the movements described in the story.
Though narrators look at the audience, characters most often look at each other.
Scripts are held in one hand, leaving the other hand free for gesturing.
A set of low stools and a single high stool often serve as versatile stage scenery/props.

Feel free to add props that you feel will add to the presentation!

Rehearse the Reader's Theater Script in your Group. Visit Aaron Shepard's webpage shown below and read "Tips on Reading" before you begin to rehearse your script.

Tips on Reading

Practice – practice – revise – practice – revise – practice!!!

6. Finally, your group will present the play to your classmates.

Resources:

Tips on Scripting http://www.aaronshep.com/rt/Tips1.html

Tips on Staging http://www.aaronshep.com/rt/Tips2.html

Tips on Reading http://www.aaronshep.com/rt/Tips3.html

Purpose:

The purpose of this assignment is for independent working students to present an excellent example of the process of writing and presenting a Readers’ Theatre to the class. These students are at the independent reading level for our Anthology. They will be responsible for the Open Court curriculum, but will extend their learning with this assignment for the first unit.

Objective:

Given four weeks of class time, the students will read and practice examples of Readers’ Theatre, then, as a group, write a script for Mrs. Frisby and the Crow. The students will make their presentation to the class. Following a rubric for the script and presentation the students will score at the proficient or higher level.

Individual students may also choose another story from the library to write a script for the class.