Reader's Theater with a Twist

Objective: SWBAT identify story structure details (characters, setting, plot) and analyze comprehension details through the use of student-created reader's theater. SWBAT creatively portray important aspects of reading stories through dramatic play.

Grade: 2

Materials Needed: FlipVideo Camera, microphone/headphone, computer/www.voicethread.com, Reading book, student-created props & costuming supplies, paper/pencil/crayons/markers.

Teacher note: This plan may be adapted for use with any story. It is intended for use with Reading series fiction stories. While it is not intended that the script itself be the product, it may be evaluated if the teacher wishes. It is the performance that is the intended product here.

Lesson Sequence:
After reading and discussing basal reading story, students will be placed in heterogenous groups of 4-5 students each to create a reader's theater script based upon the story. While groupings are heterogenous, 3 levels are optimal.

The high level group should create a continuation of the story. The middle level should create an alternate ending for the story. The low group should create a script of the story. All groups must include essential story structure details. The product they create should illustrate the students' comprehension of the story.

Scripts should contain: dialogue between all main characters, setting (either described or created), plot (shown through the script). Play should last at least 5 minutes and involve action (but not necessarily speaking) by each group member. Class time will be utilized for creation of script, props, etc. Plays will be practiced during class time. Plays will be performed through the use of FlipVideo and voicethread.

Rubric: We do not grade students except for selection tests. Therefore, this lesson/project is intended as a teaching tool/comprehension enrichment activity. The end product will be uploaded to www.voicethread.com, where the teacher has an account for educational use. In addition, there will be a link to this account placed upon the classroom website as a parent-classroom connection tool.