Students bring stories to life through expressive reading, developing fluency, comprehension, and confidence as they perform scripts without memorization or elaborate staging.
40 minutes
Small groups (4-6 students)
Reading & Viewing
Overview
Readers Theatre is a powerful reading activity where students perform scripts by reading their parts aloud with expression and meaning. Unlike traditional plays, there's no memorization, costumes, or elaborate sets - the focus is entirely on bringing the text to life through voice and minimal movement. This activity dramatically improves reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence while making reading purposeful and fun.
Learning Objectives
Read aloud with fluency, expression, and appropriate pacing
Interpret character emotions and motivations through voice
Develop comprehension through repeated reading and discussion
Build confidence in reading for an audience
Understand story elements: character, dialogue, plot
Practice collaborative skills in group performance
Materials Needed
Readers Theatre scripts (see suggestions below)
Highlighters for marking individual parts
Simple props (optional: hats, scarves, masks)
Music stands or clipboards for holding scripts
Audio recorder for self-assessment (optional)
Performance space with chairs arranged for readers
Preparation
Select or adapt a script appropriate for Grade 2 readers
Make enough copies for each student in the group
Pre-read the script to identify challenging vocabulary
Assign parts based on reading levels (larger parts for stronger readers)
Set up a performance area with chairs in a semi-circle
Plan for 3-4 practice sessions before final performance
5-Day Process
Day 1 - Introduction (40 min):
Introduce the story and build background knowledge
Read the script aloud as a class
Discuss characters, plot, and vocabulary
Assign parts and have students highlight their lines
Day 2 - Practice Reading (30 min):
Groups read through script together
Focus on reading smoothly and accurately
Practice tricky words and phrases
Begin adding expression
Day 3 - Expression Work (30 min):
Focus on reading with feeling and character voice
Discuss: "How does this character feel? How would they say this?"
Add simple movements or gestures
Practice stage presence (where to stand, when to look up)
Day 4 - Rehearsal (30 min):
Full run-through with audience awareness
Peer feedback: "What did you like? What could be clearer?"
Polish timing and transitions
Add any simple props
Day 5 - Performance (40 min):
Groups perform for the class (or another class/parents)
Audience practices being respectful listeners
Celebrate with applause and positive feedback
Reflect: "What did you learn? What was challenging?"
Script Suggestions
Caribbean & Culturally Relevant Scripts:
Anansi Stories: Adapt folktales into script format
The Papaya That Spoke: Caribbean fruit market tale
Carnival Day: Celebration story with multiple voices
Classic Tales Adapted:
The Three Billy Goats Gruff: Narrator, 3 goats, troll
The Little Red Hen: Hen, cat, dog, pig, narrator
Stone Soup: Multiple village characters
Free Script Resources:
Reading A-Z (leveled scripts)
ReadWriteThink.org
Teachingheart.net
Performance Tips
Eyes up: Look at the audience sometimes, not just the script
Slow down: Read at a pace the audience can follow
Use your voice: Change pitch, volume, and speed for different characters
Stand still: Small movements only; let the voice do the acting
Know your cue: Listen for when it's your turn to read
Differentiation
For students who need additional support:
Assign shorter parts with repeated lines
Partner with a stronger reader for echo reading practice
Pre-teach vocabulary and practice lines in advance
Allow them to be the narrator with simpler language
For students who need additional challenge:
Assign multiple character parts
Help adapt a picture book into a script
Add original dialogue to existing scripts
Direct and coach their performance group
Assessment
Use a simple rubric to assess:
Fluency: Reads smoothly without many stops
Expression: Uses voice to show character feelings
Volume: Can be heard by the audience
Accuracy: Reads most words correctly
Engagement: Participates actively in group work
Extensions
Record performances for a class video library
Perform for younger students or at school assembly
Have students write original scripts based on class topics
Create a Readers Theatre club for lunchtime performances
Connect to writing: convert a story from reading into a script
Add sound effects created by students
Curriculum Connections
Reading Fluency: Smooth, expressive reading
Comprehension: Understanding character and plot
Oral Language: Speaking with expression
Collaboration: Working together on performance
ELO 3: Reading comprehension strategies
Teacher Tips
"I adapted an Anansi story into a script - the students were so excited to perform a story from their culture. Engagement was through the roof!"
- Ms. Antoine, Grade 2 Teacher
"Recording our performances was a game-changer. Students could hear themselves and really understood what 'reading with expression' means."
- Mr. Roberts, Grade 2 Teacher
"My struggling readers gained so much confidence! The repeated practice helped their fluency, and they loved having a purpose for re-reading."
