Readers Theatre is an ensemble reading event using scripts that may be original works or, more usually, adaptations of stories, poems, plays, reportage or arguments. It is an interesting form of theatre in its own right and a powerful and creative strategy to develop reading, thinking and writing. Readers Theatre is first and foremost an enjoyable activity that brings texts to life.
This is one of the reasons why the US federal government has recently recognised Readers Theatre as a 'model education strategy' and awarded one million dollars to a Readers Theatre project in California. The project is part of a national initiative to integrate theatre and visual arts into reading and writing instruction. Research suggests that Readers Theatre can bring gains for learners in in reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. Cooperation and group work also seem to improve. (See research article on Readers Theatre and an article on Readers Theatre by me in Teaching Thinking Issue 12)
Readers Theatre Courses
My courses on Readers Theatre have been very popular with teachers and other participants. Here are some comments:
Gill Holland, Consultant, Education Bradford.
Inspirational! The first time I have been on a course without my mind wandering! Bradford will be fed up with me going on about it. Thank you so much!
David Watson, Headteacher, Tweedmouth Middle School, Northumberland.
A thoroughly enjoyable experience - to be entertained and taught. I learned a very great deal. Thank you.
Sue Ellis, co-director, Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE)
Steve Williams and Peter Miles led a session on Readers Theatre for teachers and trainers at CLPE. Readers Theatre offers an enjoyable and collaborative opportunity for children to engage with written language and ‘lift it off the page’ through enactment. We have now adopted it as one of the key teaching approaches for our successful ‘Power of Reading’ project.
Melloney Arnett, Literacy Team Leader, Peckham Park Primary School
An excellent and fulfilling and most rewarding day. The seminar opened the doors to a wide range of lessons in cross-curricular subjects. Will certainly use the ideas in school.
If you would like to discuss Readers Theatre or arrange a course in it please contact me.
e: williams.sheehy@yahoo.co.uk
t: 01332 760573
mb: 0772 204 2445
