Reader's Theatre Basics

A page with an overview of what Reader's Theater is and 5 links to more detailed discussion topic pages.

In particular, the following linked pages provide ideas about how to use this type of student presentation in class: "How to adapt a Reader's Theater Script" and "Reader's Theater Student Actor Objectives."

Weblink address (URL):

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.10: By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literacy nonfiction in the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.2: Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.3: Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.7: Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.10: By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 9-10 text complexity band...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.5: Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11-12...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 6 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 9-10 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience....
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.10: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective...
CLE 3001.1.2: Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases.
CLE 3001.2.5: Understand strategies for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts.
CLE 3001.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
CLE 3001.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3001.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
CLE 3001.5.1: Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of challenging oral and written contexts.
CLE 3001.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of informational and technical texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
CLE 3001.6.2: Analyze the organizational structures of informational and technical texts.
CLE 3001.8.5: Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning from various literary genres.
CLE 3002.1.2: Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases
CLE 3002.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
CLE 3002.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3002.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, wellconstructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
CLE 3002.5.1: Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of challenging oral and written contexts.
CLE 3002.5.2: Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause-effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
CLE 3002.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of informational and technical texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
CLE 3002.6.2: Analyze the organizational structures of informational and technical texts.
CLE 3002.7.4: Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
CLE 3002.8.5: Know and use appropriate literary terms to derive meaning from various literary genres.
CLE 3003.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
CLE 3003.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3003.3.1: Write in a variety of modes, with particular emphasis on persuasion, for different purposes and audiences.
CLE 3003.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well-constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
CLE 3003.7.2: Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
CLE 3003.7.4: Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
CLE 3005.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
CLE 3005.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3005.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with a thesis statement in the introduction, well-constructed paragraphs, a conclusion, and transition sentences that connect...
CLE 3005.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of complex informational texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
CLE 3005.7.2: Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
CLE 3005.7.4: Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
GLE 0601.1.1: Demonstrate control of Standard English through the use of grammar and mechanics (punctuation, capitalization, and spelling).
GLE 0601.2.1: Demonstrate critical listening skills essential for comprehension, evaluation, problem solving, and task completion.
GLE 0601.2.2: Begin to differentiate between summarizing and paraphrasing.
GLE 0601.2.6: Understand strategies for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts.
GLE 0601.2.8: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
GLE 0601.3.1: Write in a variety of modes for different audiences and purposes.
GLE 0601.3.2: Employ various prewriting strategies.
GLE 0601.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0601.3.4: Refine strategies for editing and revising written work.
GLE 0601.4.2: Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0601.4.3: Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
GLE 0601.4.4: Write a research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
SPI 0601.1.1: Identify the correct use of nouns (i.e., common/proper, singular/plural, possessives) and pronouns (i.e., agreement, subject, object) within context.
SPI 0601.1.10: Identify the correct spelling of plurals and possessives.
SPI 0601.1.18: Identify correctly and incorrectly spelled words in context.
SPI 0601.2.4: Select the most appropriate behaviors for participating productively in a team (e.g., contribute appropriate and useful information and ideas, understand the...
SPI 0601.2.5: Identify the functions and responsibilities of individual roles within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper).
SPI 0601.3.1: Identify the purpose for writing (i.e., to inform, to describe, to explain, to persuade).
SPI 0601.3.12: Select the most appropriate format for writing a specific work-related text (i.e., instructions, directions, letters, memos, e-mails, reports).
SPI 0601.3.5: Select illustrations, descriptions, and/or facts to support key ideas.
SPI 0601.3.8: Select appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0601.3.9: Select an appropriate concluding sentence for a well-developed paragraph.
SPI 0601.4.3: Determine the most appropriate research source for a given research topic.
SPI 3001.1.12: Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots, affixes, and cognates to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 3001.1.13: Select the appropriate word among frequently confused words (i.e., to/too/two, their/there/theyre, it/its, you/youre, whose/whos, which/that/who, accept/except,...
SPI 3001.2.7: Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways and listening with civility...
SPI 3001.3.3: Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
SPI 3001.5.1: Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 3001.6.1: Discern the stated or implied main idea and supporting details of informational and technical passages.
SPI 3002.1.13: Select the appropriate word from among frequently confused words (i.e., to/too/two, their/there/theyre, it/its, you/youre, whose/whos, which/that/who,...
SPI 3002.1.14: Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots, affixes, and cognates to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 3002.2.7: Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways and listen with civility to...
SPI 3002.3.3: Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
SPI 3002.5.1: Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 3002.6.1: Discern the stated or implied main idea and supporting details of informational and technical passages
SPI 3003.3.13: Identify the targeted audience for a selected passage.
SPI 3003.3.8: Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
TSS.ELA.10.RI.RRTC.10: (For 10th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and...
TSS.ELA.10.RL.RRTC.10: (For 10th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature at the high end of the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.IKI.7: Evaluate the topic or subject in multiple diverse formats and media.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.IKI.7: Evaluate the topic, subject, and/or theme in multiple diverse formats and media, including how the version interprets the source text.
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.1: Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 11th - 12th grade topics, texts, and...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media formats in order to make informed decisions and solve problems; evaluate the...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning;...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
TSS.ELA.11-12.W.PDW.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
TSS.ELA.11-12.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to analyze, synthesize, and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the...
TSS.ELA.6.L.CSE.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.
TSS.ELA.6.L.CSE.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. When reading or writing, explain the functions of...
TSS.ELA.6.L.KL.3: When writing and speaking, vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style; maintain consistency in style and tone.
TSS.ELA.6.SL.CC.1: Prepare for collaborative discussions on 6th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and expressing...
TSS.ELA.6.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
TSS.ELA.6.W.PDW.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
TSS.ELA.6.W.PDW.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new...
TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.7: Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on multiple sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.8: Integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding...
TSS.ELA.6.W.RW.10: Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
TSS.ELA.6.W.TTP.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
TSS.ELA.6.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
TSS.ELA.6.W.TTP.3: Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and...
TSS.ELA.9-10.L.KL.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend ...
TSS.ELA.9-10.L.VAU.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings in grades 9-10 reading and content; interpret figures...
TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.CS.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative...
TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; cite the strongest, most compelling textual evidence to support conclusions.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.CS.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of...
TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; cite the strongest, most compelling textual evidence to support conclusions.
TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.CC.1: Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 9th- 10th grade topics, texts, and...
TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.PKI.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically, so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the...
TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
TSS.ELA.9-10.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to analyze and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection...
TSS.ELA.9.RI.RRTC.10: (For 9th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release...
TSS.ELA.9.RL.RRTC.10: (For 9th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of...

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References

Contributors:

Stephen Clark

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation