Reader’s Theater WebQuest
What’s Reader’s Theater, Anyway?
First, Phase I of this WebQuest, you will research Reader’s Theater to gain a full understanding of it by searching for answers to three focus questions.
Then, in Phase II of this WebQuest, you will select a tale to write a Reader’s Theater Script for, write a draft for the script, proofread/edit the draft scripts, you will create props that could be used in a performance of your script.
Lastly, in Phase III of this WebQuest, you will perform your Reader’s Theater scripts with props.
For this WebQuest you will: use the reading process effectively, work as individuals, cooperate in pair groups, go through the entire writing process, understand drama, perform dramatically,
Phase I – What Reader’s Theater Actually Is
Phase II – What Reader’s Theater Actually Looks Like
Phase III – Performing Your Reader’s Theater Scripts
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Phase I – What Reader’s Theater Actually Is – INDIVIDUAL
Each student needs 30 notes.
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Focus Question #1: What is the difference between Guided Reading, Choral Reading, and Reader’s Theater? Get Notes.
- American Masters Website – The Importance of Using Multiple Methods of Reading Instruction
- Reading Rockets Website – Reader’s Theater: Giving Students a Reason to Read Aloud
- Scholastic Website – The Power of Reader’s Theater: An easy way to make dramatic changes in kids’ fluency, writing, listening, and social skills.
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Focus Question #2: Why is reading important? Get Notes.
- Scholastic Website – The Importance of Reading
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Focus Question #3: How can Reader’s Theater be used? Get Notes.
- Lois Walker Website – Reader’s Theater Resource Page
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PHASE II: What Reader’s Theater Actually Looks Like – PAIRS
DAYS 2-4 – CLASSWORK AND HOMEWORK
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For this phase of the quest:
- With a partner, you will select a tale to create a Reader’s Theater script for.
- You will write scripts for at least 2 scenes of the tale you have chosen – one scene per member.
- You will create props for use with that script – one prop per member
DAY 2 – CLASSWORK AND HOMEWORK
1. CW – Select a tale/story to write a script for in Reader’s Theater Style. You only have to write two scenes, but the more the merrier. Use a tale/story that you find at one of the following links. You may not use any other resources or websites for this assignment.
- Andersen Fairy Tales, in English or French.
- Animated Tall Tales, featuring the exploits of Paul Bunyan.
- Grimm Fairy Tales, in English or French.
- Myths, Folktales, and Fairy Tales, resources for teachers of grades 1-8, sponsored by Scholastic, Inc.
- Internet Public Library: Story Hour, sponsored by the University of Michigan. Some of these sites require RealPlayer which school laptops do not come equipped with. Also, some of these have audio/video errors that prevent the video from playing. Check them out, see what you can see.
- Wired for Books: The Kids’ Corner, from Ohio University, features texts, pictures, audio files, and videos of a number of folk and literary tales appropriate for children.
2. CW/HW – Rough Drafting – Write at least two scenes for the text you selected as a script – one scene each team member; AND Create 2 Props for presentation – one prop each team member.
- See the page, Tips on Scripting By Aaron Shepard for help writing your script.
- For this stage, take a look at how it’s done by looking over some scripts already created at Reader’s Theater Scripts and Plays. Don’t try to copy these, I have a plagiarism checker. Your rough draftscript must be completed for HW.
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3. CW/HW – Proof Reading/Editing Drafts – Days 3-4
DAY 3 – Proof/Edit/Read
CW – Read Rebel Silently While others work on their Scripts.
CW/HW – PROOFREAD EACH OTHER’S SCRIPTS, MAKING ANY NECESSARY CORRECTIONS and FINAL DRAFT SCRIPTS FOR HW.
HW – Re-DRAFT SCRIPTS FOR PRESENTATION AND CREATE PROPS.
DAY 4 – Proof/Edit/Read
CW – Read Rebel while others work on their scripts.
CW/HW – CONTINUE TO PROOF/EDIT DRAFT SCRIPTS FOR ERRORS.
HW – Final Draft Scripts for Presentation on Days 5 – 6.
4 . Create and bring in scripts and props for final proofing before the big Reader’s Theater Performance. Days 5-6
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PHASE III: Performing Your Readers Theater Scripts
DAYS 5-6 – CLASSWORK
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DAY 5-6 – PRESENT YOUR READER’S THEATER FOR YOUR TALE.
AND WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO PERFORM THIS SCRIPT? Well, you do!
READ this to be ready if it has to happen that way, Tips on Reading by Aaron Shepard.
-GRADING-GRADING-GRADING-GRADING-GRADING-GRADING-GRADING-
You will be graded in four areas: (A) Notes, (B) Script, (C) Prop(s), (D) Performance:
(A) The Notes – on all 3 focus questions.
- 0 Points – – Total of 0 Notes
- 3 Points – – Total of 1-15 Notes
- 7 Points – – Total of 16-27 Notes
- 10 Points – Total of 28-30 Notes (regular credit)
- 11 Points – Total of 30+ Notes (extra credit)
(B) The Scripts – well written scripts for two scenes.
- 0 Points – – No scripts are turned in
- 3 Points – – Script for two scenes have many errors
- 7 Points – – Script for two scenes have some errors
- 10 Points – Script for two scenes are free of errors (regular credit)
- 11 Points – Script for more than two scenes are free from errors (extra credit)
(C) The Props – props for use in performance.
- 0 Points – – Total of 0 Props – 0 point
- 5 Points – – Total of 2 Props – 5 points (regular credit)
- 6 Points – – Total of 3+ Props (extra credit)
(D) The Performance – How was the show?
- 0 Points – Either the team was not ready, or the reading was too low, and the performance was dry and void of excitement.
- 5 Points – The readering was too low, and the performance was somewhat monotonous.
- 10 Points – The reading was vibrant, and the performance was exciting to watch and listne to.
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Total Regular Credit Points Possible: 10+10+10+5= 35 (A)
A = 32-35
B = 24-31
C =16-23
D = 8-15
F = 0-7
