So many of the standards that we are required to assess are language standards - can the student speak audibly and clearly? Can our students form complete thoughts? And so on...
One way that I promote speaking and listening in my classroom is through using Reader's Theater skits! Stick with me for a few minutes before you think this idea is crazy (and feel free to think it is still crazy at the end of this..but at least get through it!)
WHAT: Reader's Theater in my room consists of simple scripts based off of books that children know. The students get a part (usually just a line) and a prop/character (usually a picture they wear as a necklace) and they recite their line. The scripts are retelling the popular story you have read a couple times to your kids!
WHO: The kids are the stars! Each play features around 10 students. Each student has 1 line. It makes it quick to get the whole class involved and allows students the chance to participate in a variety of parts!
WHERE: You don't need a stage to use Reader's Theater! Just use your carpet space! Go outside! Any space works!
WHEN: I start with Reader's Theater at the beginning of the school year (YES, when my kids ARE NOT READING!). Why? The skits are simple enough, come from familiar stories, have a pattern to them, and include visuals to help the students. They can do these the first weeks of school! They are very kindergarten friendly.
WHY: Students need practice "presenting" in front of one another. Reader's theater covers so many skills that are fabulous for our little learners: Retelling, Listening Skills, Print Concepts, Reading Behaviors, Characters and Setting, Speaking Skills, Following Directions, Expression and A Love for Reading!
HOW: It is simple! Find a book you love! Think about the main ideas and create a simple script. I include a pattern in my scripts as well as images so that all the kids can succeed! Read the book to the kids (I like to spend a day or two on the book) and then spend the next day (or two) implementing reader's theater! If you don't want to spend time creating scripts, check out the ones that I already have made!
I Love My Shoes - Based off the popular Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
I Love My Pants - A twist on the popular Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
Pig & Pancake - Based off of the book If You Give a Pig a Pancake
Mouse & Cookie - Based off of the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Dog & Donut - Based off the book If You Give a Dog a Donut
Moose & Muffin - Based off the book If You Give a Moose a Muffin
The Itsy Bitsy Spider - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme
Hickory Dickory Dock - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme
Humpty Dumpty - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme
Jack and Jill - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme
Hey Diddle, Diddle - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme
Little Miss Muffet - Based Off of the Nursery Rhyme
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to get a copy of the "I love my shoes" Reader's Theatre.
When I click the link, I end up on another page of your blog but there is no where to download the file(s) from?
However when I click the other reader theatres, I am sent to a page where I can get them.
How can I get a copy of this particular reader's theatre?
Thank you!
Thank you for this, It's a very useful tool for kindergarteners to begin reading and developing language skills.
ReplyDelete