Search the Site
Events Calendar
« 
May 2012
 »
SMTWTFS
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031 

Welcome to Readers Theater All Year™!

Discover Easy, & Effective Tools for

Building Leaders and Creators

Systematically...

While Saving YOUR Time

and Having Fun!


*** FREE READERS THEATER SCRIPTS BELOW!


And, what IS Readers Theater? 
Here's a peppy, one-minute description:






       •  Free Trustworthy Readers Theater Scripts (42)*  CLICK HERE 

    
     •  Search-free Custom Readers Theater Scripts--saving YOUR time*

*  All scripts with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans or family fun! 
(NOTE:  Flesch-Kincaid Readability score with grade level available on most scripts.)

#1 QUESTION:  

Are you ready

to join our caring community

of  teachers and parents

who are building

leaders and creators

around the globe?

Together we'll change the world!

 

Step #1: 

Fill out the purple gift box in the left column.  Then click the confirmation link sent to your email.

 

Step #2:

 

"Join Now" here to access our All-You-Can-Eat Script Buffet Club goodies--over 120 scripts with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.

 
Tools, Tips & Free Helpful Teleseminars


Free sample--teleseminar replay link (half hour):

 


2011 Favorite Replay Teleseminar Schedule for 2012*:
January = "The Underground Railroad & Curriculum Enhancers" 


February = "Beginner's Guide to Readers Theater Fun & Success"

March = "Fun Drama Clubs Anyone Can Run"

April = "Homeschooler's Easy Guide to Building Memories and Leaders with Readers Theater" with Q/A 

May = "7 Ways Readers Theater Builds Leaders"  with Q/A

June = "How to Run a Fun Readers Theater Class or Co-op"

July =  "How to Do Multi-Level Readers Theater Easily" with Q/A

August = "Why Go Back to School with Readers Theater?" with Q/A 

September = "28 Remarkable Readers Theater Resources"

October  = "7 Ways to Make Holiday Memories with Readers Theater" with Q/A 

November/December = "Family Readers Theater" with Q/A

 Future = "3 Keys to Building Character with Readers Theater" with Q/A

*  NOTE: This schedule is subject to change.  Our community was so small in 2011, many teachers missed our helpful teleseminars.  Using replays allows me to focus on creating new content for our amazing community of inspirators!

For teleseminar details, make sure you're on our communications list by putting your name and email in the purple box, please.  Carol is the only one who will see it and she will never share it!

Most Recent Scripts and Articles Listed Below:

Recent articles

 

Shad Rhythm and Cheer

 (in: Free Readers Theater Scripts)
May 15, 2012
Here's a stand-alone excerpt from our 3-part free Readers Theater script series "Students Save Shad."  This rap-like rhythm and cheer complement our primary level script "Kids Save Shad"--the two may be used together.  "Shad Rhythm and Cheer", a Choral Readers Theater, briefly covers the environmental story about saving the American shad fish as told in the book, Let the River Run Silver Again by Sandy Burk.  Complete with extensive annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans and unit studies, this primary level script (grades 1, 2, 3) is perfect to slip in to a study of fish or the environment.  Use it as part of program for extra fun.
TIME: a little over a minute        CAST: 3+ (choral)      TONE:  light, educational        READABILITY:  grade 1.0
 

Kids Save Shad!

 (in: Free Readers Theater Scripts)
May 10, 2012
Environmental science for primary students?  Why not?  "Kids Save Shad!"--a choral readers theater--is a shorter simplified version of our three part series "Students Save Shad!" (for older students).  This science script is complete in one script, but is still based on the non-fiction book Let the River Run Silver Again.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans and unit studies, "Kids Save Shad," is great for primary level readers.  Although this is a simplified version of the story, it still appeals to ESL and struggling students because it's true.  It shows how regular kids can make a difference.
TIME:  a little over 3 minutes    CAST:  3-4+ (3-4 choruses)     TONE:  educational, light   READABILITY:  grade 1.0  (The part of the Experts has the hardest part--probably closer to grade 2.)
 

Students Save Shad! (Part III)

 (in: Free Readers Theater Scripts)
May 7, 2012
Based on a true science story from the book Let the River Run Silver Again by Sandy Burk and trustworthy online resources, this 3-part environmental script series shares how students helped save the American shad (fish).  Hosted by student TV journalists, our free "Students Save Shad!" Readers Theater script integrates curriculum across subject lines in a memorable experience.  Complete with curriculum links for easy lesson plans and further research, this inspiring story will motivate elementary and middle school students to take action and make a difference.
TIME:  less than 9 minutes    CAST: 10-12+       TONE:  educational, light    READABILITY:  grade 4.2 (grade 3.8 without the words "announcer" or  "narrator")
 

Students Save Shad! (Part II)

 (in: Free Readers Theater Scripts)
May 7, 2012
Based on a true science story from the book Let the River Run Silver Again by Sandy Burk and trustworthy online resources, this 3-part environmental script series shares how students helped save the American shad (fish).  Hosted by student TV journalists, our free "Students Save Shad!" Readers Theater script integrates curriculum across subject lines in a memorable experience for the whole class.  Complete with curriculum links for easy lesson plans and further research, this inspiring story will motivate elementary and middle school students to take action and make a difference.
TIME: about 6 1/2 minutes    CAST:  8+      TONE:  educational, light   READABILITY:  grade 4.8 (4.3 without the words "announcer" and "narrator."
 

Students Save Shad! (Part I)

 (in: Free Readers Theater Scripts)
May 7, 2012
Based on a true science story from the book Let the River Run Silver Again by Sandy Burk and trustworthy online resources, this 3-part environmental script series shares how students helped save the American shad (fish).  Hosted by student TV journalists, our free "Students Save Shad!" Readers Theater script integrates curriculum across subject lines in a memorable experience for the whole class.  Complete with curriculum links for easy lesson plans and further research, this inspiring story will motivate elementary and middle school students to take action and make a difference. 

TIME:  about 5 1/2 minutes                CAST: 6-21+                    TONE:  educational, light                  READABILITY:  grade 4.1 (grade 3.5 without the words "announcer" or "narrator")
 

Clara Barton, Nurse and Red Cross Founder

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Apr 16, 2012
Part III of our biographical series for beginning readers on the life of Clara Barton, "Clara Barton, Nurse and Red Cross Founder"  is the super simple version of our original Readers Theater script written for upper elementary or gifted students.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Clara Barton, Nurse and Red Cross Founder" fits well with a study of community helpers.

TIME:  about 2 1/2 minutes   CAST: 6-7+ (optional chorus)   TONE:  serious and educational   READABILITY:  grade 3.3 (Grade 3.0 removing Clara's lines with these words:  president, bandages, medicine.)  I think second graders could handle it easily, but give Clara's part to a better reader.
 

Helping Others: Clara Barton, Battlefield Nurse and Red Cross Founder--Simplified

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Apr 16, 2012
Part III of our series of biographical scripts on the life of Clara Barton, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Battlefield Nurse and Red Cross Founder--Simplified"  provides an opportunity to build some vocabulary and discuss history.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, this series of scripts complements a unit study on the Civil War, famous women, or helping others.  Although the readability of the original is grade 7, this is the simplified version.  (We have an easier one for beginning readers.) 

TIME:  about 5 1/2 minutes   CAST: 6-7+ (optional chorus)   TONE:  serious and educational  READABILTIY:  grade 5.7 (grade 5.1 without the word narrator)
 

Helping Others: Clara Barton, Battlefield Nurse and Red Cross Founder

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Apr 12, 2012
Part III of our series of biographical scripts on the life of Clara Barton, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Battlefield Nurse and Red Cross Founder"  provides an opportunity to build vocabulary and discuss history.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, this series of scripts complements a unit study on the Civil War, famous women, or volunteerism.  Although the readability is grade 7, it was written for upper elementary or gifted students.  Middle schoolers may like it better without the soldiers' chorus.

TIME:  less than 7 minutes   CAST: 6-7+ (optional chorus)   TONE:  serious and educational  READABILTIY:  grade 7.6 (grade 7.0 without the word narrator)
 

Clara Barton Grows Up To Be A Teacher

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Apr 9, 2012
"Clara Barton Grows Up To Be A Teacher" is the second in a series of historical scripts on Clara Barton.  Chronologically, this one starts with her as a teeenager.  "Clara Barton Grows Up To Be A Teacher" is the easiest of the three different reading levels on Clara Barton the teacher.  Based on books--including her own book published in 1907--this character-building script continues the role model of  Clara helping.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Clara Barton Grows Up To Be A Teacher" works well for primary, special ed, and ESL students or family fun.

TIME:  about 3 minutes      CAST: 7+ ( boys chorus)         TONE:  mixed        READABILITY:  grade 2.0
 

Helping Others: Clara Barton, Teacher (no chorus)--Simplified

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Apr 9, 2012
Did you know even though Clara Barton had been a shy little girl, she used Readers Theater in her school?  Although Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross) reluctantly became a teacher, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Teacher" shows her genuine heart for helping others through teaching. 

Apparently she was a gifted teacher, as you'll learn in this biographical Readers Theater for elementary and middle school students based on some of Clara's own words.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Teacher" is the second stage of Clara's life for our series on Clara Barton.  This exact script is also available in a slightly longer version that includes a somewhat silly student chorus.

TIME:  about 6 1/2 minutes      CAST:  8-13      TONE:  educational       READABILITY:  grade 3.6   NOTE:  A few multi-syllable words (e.g., butterfly, impossible, adventure...)raise the readability score.
 

Helping Others: Clara Barton, Teacher (with chorus)--Simplified

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Apr 9, 2012
Did you know even though Clara Barton had been a shy little girl, she used Readers Theater in her school?  Although Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross) reluctantly became a teacher, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Teacher (with chorus)--Simplified" shows her genuine heart for helping others through teaching. 

Apparently she was a gifted teacher, as you'll learn in this biographical Readers Theater for elementary and middle school students based on some of Clara's own words.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Teacher (with chorus)--Simplified" is the second stage of Clara's life in our series on Clara Barton.  This version includes the somewhat silly student chorus.

TIME:  less than 7 minutes    CAST:  8-10+     TONE:  light-hearted and educational       READABILITY:  grade 3.6  A few three-syllable words (e.g., butterfly, impossible, dangerous, adventure...) raise the readability score.
 

Helping Others: Clara Barton, Teacher (with chorus)

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Apr 4, 2012
Did you know even though Clara Barton had been a shy little girl, she used Readers Theater in her school?  Although Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross) reluctantly became a teacher, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Teacher" shows her genuine heart for helping others through teaching. 

Apparently she was a gifted teacher, as you'll learn in this biographical Readers Theater for elementary and middle school students based on some of Clara's own words.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Teacher" is the second stage of Clara's life for our series on Clara Barton.  This exact script is also available in a slightly longer version that includes a somewhat silly student chorus.

TIME:  less than 8 minutes    CAST:  8-13      TONE:  light-hearted and educational       READABILITY:  grade 5.0  (easier version available: grade 3.6)
 

Helping Others: Clara Barton, Teacher (No Chorus Version)

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Mar 28, 2012
Did you know even though Clara Barton had been a shy little girl, she used Readers Theater in her school?  Although Clara Barton (founder of the American Red Cross) reluctantly became a teacher, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Teacher" shows her genuine heart for helping others through teaching. 

Apparently she was a gifted teacher, as you'll learn in this biographical Readers Theater for elementary and middle school students based on some of Clara's own words.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Helping Others:  Clara Barton, Teacher" is the second stage of Clara's life for our series on Clara Barton.  This exact script is also available in a slightly longer version that includes a somewhat silly student chorus.

TIME:  about 7 minutes      CAST:  8-13      TONE:  educational       READABILITY:  grade 5.2  (easier version grade 3.0-3.6)
 

Helping Others: Young Clara Barton (Simplified)

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Mar 23, 2012
In 1907 Clara Barton published a book about her own childhood.  This biographical Readers Theater for elementary students, "Helping Others:  Young Clara Barton (Simplified)," takes some of her own words and includes them in this character-building script.  Your students will meet a shy, young girl who did not come from a perfect family, but looked for ways to help.  They'll also get a surprise lesson in historic medicine!

This is the simplifed version of the original (grade 4.3) Readers Theater script on Clara Barton's childhood.  We have another easier version (grade 1.7) that's for primary students or ESL.  All include annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans or unit studies.  There are more scripts in the series on Clara Barton coming soon.  You could have each group in your class take a separate time of her life OR do a different script each day as part of a unit study on this famous American woman who founded the American Red Cross.

TIME:  about 5 1/2  minutes   CAST:  4+ (chorus)     TONE:  mixed       READABILITY:  grade 2.7
 

Helping Others: Young Clara Barton

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Mar 22, 2012
In 1907 Clara Barton published a book about her own childhood.  This biographical Readers Theater for elementary students, "Helping Others:  Young Clara Barton," takes some of her own words and includes them in this character-building script.  Your students will meet a shy, young girl who did not come from a perfect family, but looked for ways to help.  They'll also get a surprise lesson in historic medicine!

This is the original Readers Theater script on Clara Barton's childhood.  We have two more versions that are easier for primary students or ESL.  All include annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans or unit studies.  There are more scripts in the series on Clara Barton coming soon.  You could have each group in your class take a separate time of her life OR do a different script each day as part of a unit study on this famous American woman who founded the American Red Cross.

TIME:  a little over 6 minutes   CAST:  4+ (chorus)     TONE:  mixed       READABILITY:  grade 4.3
 

Clara Barton, Happy Little Helper

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Mar 21, 2012
Biography in Readers Theater?  Why not?  Here's the first of a series of historical scripts on Clara Barton.  Chronologically, this one starts with her childhood.  "Clara Barton, Happy Little Helper" is the easiest of the three different reading levels on the young Clara Barton.  Based on books--including her own book published in 1907--this character-building script includes nature study with the role model of helping.  Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Clara Barton, Happy Little Helper" works well for primary, special ed, and ESL students or family fun.

TIME:  about 3 1/2 minutes      CAST: 4+ (chorus)         TONE:  mixed        READABILITY:  grade 1.7
 

"Studies Find Students Learn More By 'Acting Out' Text"--Review
Mar 13, 2012
"A new series of studies suggests young students may comprehend more if they take a more active approach to reading," according to Education Week, a trusted sourece for K-12 education news for 20 years.  Here's a short review of this online article from July 12, 2011, by Sarah D. Sparks.  (Note:  This article is available only to the Education Week community or to others who pay for it.  I paid for the article to share it with you.)
 

Dog Jog Adventure (Advanced)

 (in: Free Readers Theater Scripts)
Feb 29, 2012
How would you like to go jogging with three big dogs who are not really obedient?  Believe it or not a teacher did and told her story in a Chicken Soup for the Soul story.  I adapted the story a lot for children here in a fun Readers Theater script, "Dog Jog Adventure." 

Because the children in this script are older elementary or teenagers, this script is perfect for mixed ages and abilities--upper elementary, middle school, high school, ESL or ESOL, adults, and family fun.  Since the readability is about third grade, it should be perfect for literacy tutoring, too. You also have the option of using a narrator and two choral reading groups.  NOTE:  This is the advanced version with a more extensive vocabulary.

Complete with annotated curriculum links (including You Tube) for easy lesson plans, "Dog Jog Adventure" works well as part of a unit study on fitness, pets or dogs.
TIME: about 7 minutes      CAST: 3 or a narrator and two choral groups     TONE: light, fun   READABILITY:  grade 3.0
 

Flying B for Baloney

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Feb 28, 2012
Based on a true story, "Flying B for Baloney" is a fun Readers Theater script about Carlos and his Grandpa trying to practice backyard baseball until a surprise visitor appears.  With two narrators, the script is great for small groups.  The script uses the clue B________ every time the word baloney is to be read.  Your students will have silly fun if they insert another B word into the blank when they read it.

Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Flying B for Baloney" includes a little nature study tied to real life.  Perfect for grades 1, 2, 3, ESL, and family fun, "Flying B for Baloney" may inspire your students to practice their own backyard baseball or to study surprise visitors!  (NOTE:  Our original script, "Flying Baloney" is readability grade 3.3.  This is the easy version.)
TIME:  a little over 5 minutes          CAST:  4            TONE:  light          READABILITY:  about grade 1.5
 

Flying Baloney

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Feb 20, 2012
Based on a true story, "Flying Baloney" is a fun Readers Theater script about Carlos and his Grandpa trying to practice backyard baseball until a surprise visitor appears.  With two narrators, the script is great for small groups. 

Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Flying Baloney" includes a little nature study tied to real life.  Perfect for grades 2, 3, 4, 5+, ESL, and family fun, "Flying Baloney" may inspire your students to practice their own backyard baseball or to study surprise visitors!  (NOTE:  Our simplified script, "Flying B for Baloney," is readability level about grade 1.5 according to the Flesch-Kincaide scale.)
TIME:  about 5 1/2 minutes         CAST:  4        TONE:  light    READABILITY:  grade 3.3
 

Tribes and Teams Cheer

 (in: Free Readers Theater Scripts)
Feb 15, 2012
Does you class, tribe, or team work well together or do you sometimes have problems with bullying and fighting?  Even if you have perfect students, our "Tribes and Teams Cheer" encourages positive attitudes and character.  This short, easy Choral Readers Theater script is written for beginning readers, but is suitable for most ages. 

This script could easily be used as a launch into anti-bullying or teamwork discussions.  With three full pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans on anti-bullying, teamwork, kindness, and respect, you can't go wrong!  Perfect for grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, special ed, ESL and ESOL classes, "Tribes and Teams Cheer" helps build unity in the classroom in a fun way.
TIME:  35-40 seconds    CAST:  2+ or 2 groups     TONE:  motivational    READABILITY:  grade 0.0, but written for beginning readers  (NOTE:  Some of the curriculum links could be used through middle school and high school.)
 

Winter Faces

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Feb 7, 2012
Easy. Short.  Fun.  Choral Readers Theater for beginning readers.  "Winter Faces" is a poem based on a winter game our children played.  You may copy it to your board or screen to save paper since it's so short.  With two full pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Winter Faces" easily adapts to unit studies on winter or quick rainy day lessons.  Perfect for grades K, 1, 2, ESL, special ed, and remedial readers, "Winter Faces" may inspire winter chases!
TIME:  about 30 seconds    CAST:  2+ or 2 groups      TONE:  cheery    READABILITY: grade 0.1 without the words for the two choral groups--artists and runners.  Grade 1.6 with the choral reader titles.
 

Winter Wishes

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Feb 5, 2012
Easy.  One-page.  Fun.  Compound words.  Punctuation.  Imagination.  Interpretation.  Choral Readers Theater.  Put it up on the screen or the board and slip the short script "Winter Wishes" into your day for beginning readers of all ages.  Complete with two pages of annotated curriculum  links for easy lesson plans, "Winter Wishes"  will send your students into their cool imaginations dreaming about snow.
TIME:  about 30 seconds      CAST:2+ or 2 choral groups      TONE:  light      READABILITY:  grade 0.0, but written for beginning readers grades K ,1, 2, and ESL or ESOL.
 

Oh, My Heart, Heart, Heart

 (in: Script Buffet Club)
Feb 3, 2012
Lub-dub.  Lub-dub.  Lub-dub,. Lub-dub.   Here's a fun Readers Theater script for 2-25+ readers on the human heart.  "Oh, My Heart, Heart, Heart" also easily works for Choral Readers Theater with the whole class.  Perfect for integrated curriculums, emergency substitute teacher plans, or health/science unit studies, this heart-healthy script comes with two pages of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  Since it's short, it can be a launching pad for a short study on the heart for Valentine's Day or Heart Health month (February). 
TIME:  3 1/2 minutes      CAST: 2-25+ (Choral Reading option)   TONE:  light, educational    READABILITY: grade 3.8
 

Super Bowl Students vs. Salamander Sly

 (in: Free Readers Theater Scripts)
Jan 27, 2012
Once again Salamander Sly and his team, The Distractions, challenge the students on the field.  But, this time it's the Super Bowl Students, "the best of the best."  "Super Bowl Students vs. Salamander Sly" is the second free Readers Theater script where the students battle The Distractions, only this time it's the mysterious play-off game.  Although this character-building script was written by request for Super Bowl season, it's useful anytime for a wide range of ages since "Kids Talk Sports" relates to all.

 Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Super Bowl Students vs. Salamander Sly" is perfect for grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 performing, but may also help ESL/ESOL and remedial classes.  Grab another family for some family fun even!   Since it includes a chorus, any number of students may participate.
TIME:  13 minutes        CAST:  6-7+         TONE:  fun, exciting          READABILITY:  grade 3.4
 
more articles >>
Testimonies
"Wow!  I have to tell you that your script, Twas not the night before Christmas (????) is soooo funny.  The kids love it!  Thank you.  They laughed so hard...."
Pat R.
Elementary Teacher

"...I appreciate how you are caring for me as a 'newbie' to your site.  I have believed in, and have been using, 'reader's theater' when I pick up something that works for this, to engage us as a whole class, and have been especially excited at how this brings less skilled readers into the activity at 100% engagement, along with everyone..."
Maxine P. 
Primary teacher

"...I have been teaching for 35 years.  RT has been part of my education journey for the majority of that time.  Initially my experience with it was as a performance genre in the Drama Curriculum.  Now I use it across the curriculum - a wonderful high motivation strategy in the language program - particularly reading - and so much more as you would know.  I was drawn to your 'community' by the idea of leadership... My wife [name] also teaches... She uses RT with her children and shares my passion for RT.... I think what you're doing is wonderful and I look forward to further communication as well as the regular updates and so on..."
4 months later:
"Keep up the enthusiasm and fantastic work!"
Graham B.
Former primary teacher (now a Visual Art specialist)


"Hi Carol, I very much enjoyed our chat last night.  It is so nice to meet someone like you...thank you for everything..."
Barabara M.
First grade teacher

"I found the free readers theater online scripts, teaching tips, and curriculum teleseminars at Readers Theater All Year very inspirational to me.  I used the Twelve Days of Christmas...Vacation script in my ESOL classes before Christmas break and my students all enjoyed it..."
Lily T.
Teacher (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

"...We did Squanto's Squash for the family on Thanksgiving and [my sons] participated and loved it.  I am so excited about making this a major part of homeschooling.  What a great way to learn!"
Bethany P.
Homeschooling Mom

"L and J had a lot of fun this am playing with Noodle and Strudel!  First L was the kitten and J was the puppy.  It was cute but then they decided to switch roles--and it was CUTER!  They did it four or five times and really enjoyed it...."
Two days later:
"As I type...L and a girlfriend are doing Noodle and Strudel and J is the narrator!  Now the girls are switching roles..too cute..."
Two days later:
"Carol, We are ready for more!!  The kids have really enjoyed Noodle and Strudel..."
MAV
Homeschooling Mom

"What a privilege to be responded to in a personal e-mail! ...I am a first grade teacher in an International School and this will be my third year there.  I have absolutely loved incorporating reader's theater into our literacy program, but have found that I was wanting more time each week... This year, our administration gave us 30 minutes extra in our schedule to use for anything.  I thought, 'Hey, why not use it for reader's theater?'  Mondays we could introduce the background of the script, andy vocabulary, and maybe some character analysis.  Tuesday through Thursdays, we could distribute and practice, and then on Friday we could perform in front of some sort of audience.  I have never heard of a teacher turning readers theater into an actual subject of the day, but do you think it would work...?"
Lauren
First grade teacher

"In my years as an elementary and middle school teacher, a professor of reading methods in a teacher preparation program, and the mother of a resistant reader (Worthy, 1998), the single most motivating activity I have ever found is Readers Theater.  When I work with school faculties on professional development, I present a wide range of instructional activities, and teachers are interested in many of them.  But, without fail, Readers Theater is the approach that captivates everyone." 
Jo Worthy, Ph.D.
Teacher, College Professor, and "Mother of a Resistant Reader"
from her book Readers Theater for Building Fluency--Strategies and Scripts for Making the Most of This Highly Effective, Motivating, and Research-Based Approach to Oral Reading (© 2005) p.9.