Readers Theater All Year
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com
Readers Theater All YearThe Purple Creature (R=1st-2nd)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/the-purple-creature-r1st2nd
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">A purple creature? Escaped? This<strong> light-hearted poem</strong> adds to our collection of animal poems. Just like the other animal poems this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans and unit studies. If you're tuned in, you may just sing it to the old folk tune, "The Wabash Cannonball." But, your students will have to create the chorus! <strong>Perfect for all ages</strong>, this silly poem should make students smile.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: less than a minute......CAST: 2 or 2 choral groups. TONE: light, silly. READABILITY: grades 1-2</span></p>2023-12-14T16:06:00-00:00The Ugly Truth About Readers Theater: 5 Facts to Consider
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/the-ugly-truth-about-readers-theater-5-facts-consider
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="bug" width="90" height="103" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" caption="false" />Are there really "ugly truths" about Readers Theater? Unfortunately, yes. So, is it worth the time to invest in Readers Theater regularly? Absolutely! This helpful article shares 5 "ugly truths" about Readers Theater as well as a few tips for success. Every child deserves an opportunity to shine–in spite of a few ugly truths. Ugly truths can be overcome and perhaps transformed into beautiful benefits, right?</span></p>2023-12-04T16:27:00-00:00Brown Rabbit (R=1.3)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/brown-rabbit-r13
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Have you ever seen a wild, cottontail rabbit act like a statue with a wiggly nose? We have a lot out here. So, this short Readers Theater poem shares one encounter. Although "Brown Rabbit" readability is fairly easy, this <strong>animal Readers Theater poem is perfect for all ages,</strong> <strong>English Language Learners, Special Ed, and homeschoolers</strong>. Like most of our scripts "Brown Rabbit" comes complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans and unit studies. Enjoy it as a partner play or Choral Readers Theater.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: less than a minute CAST: 2 or 2 choral groups TONE: peaceful READABILITY: grade 1.3</span></p>2023-07-13T14:32:00-00:00How to FAIL with Readers Theater: Busting Readers Theater Myths
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/how-fail-readers-theater-busting-readers-theater-myths
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="custom bug" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" caption="false" width="100" height="114" />Are you afraid of trying Readers Theater? Do you think that you don't have time for Readers Theater? Are you concerned that you might fail with Readers Theater? "How to FAIL with Readers Theater: Busting Readers Theater Myths" shares the truth to help guarantee success for you and your students.</span></p>2023-06-24T13:55:00-00:00A Jolly Woodchuck (R=1.5)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/jolly-woodchuck-r15
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong>"A Jolly Woodchuck" poem</strong> tells a short story based on some personal experiences at different homes. This fun Readers Theater poem focuses on a hungry woodchuck (also known as a groundhog). You'll discover a variety of annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans following this short script. Suitable for <strong>readers of ALL AGES</strong>, "A Jolly Woodchuck" can be enjoyed as a partner play or Choral Readers Theater.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: about 40 seconds CAST: 2 or 2 choral groups TONE: light READABILITY: grade 1.5</span></p>2023-05-16T13:29:00-00:00Birds in Bare Feet (R=2.6)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/birds-bare-feet-r26
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="custom bug" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" width="100" height="114" />Did you ever think about birds having "bare feet"? I didn't either until these words hopped into my head: "birds in bare feet." "Birds in Bare Feet" Readers Theater script tells a poetic true story from a winter day. As I was composing this poem at our house we were SHOCKED to see a predator bird swoop in! Fortunately, the story has a happy ending. </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">"Birds in Bare Feet" comes complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. Perfect for primary readers and above, this Readers Theater poem will be enjoyed by <strong>ALL AGES.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: a little less than a minute CAST: 2 or 2 choral groups TONE: light READABILITY: grade 2.6</span></p>2023-04-28T15:25:00-00:00Dizzy the Donkey (R=1.7)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/dizzy-the-donkey-r17
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="custom bug" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" width="100" height="114" />“Hee haw, hee hee haw, hee haw diddly dum.” Ha! Ha! Try saying that five times without laughing! That's the fun refrain in this <strong>silly Readers Theater poem:</strong> "Dizzy the Donkey." The one-page script comes complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. Perfect for primary level readers and above, this silly poem is <strong>fun for all ages.</strong> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: a little over a minute–IF students aren't laughing too much CAST: 2 or 2 choral groups TONE: light, fun READABILITY: grade 1.7</span></p>2023-04-17T15:59:00-00:00Tag–You're It! (R=K-1)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/tegyoure-it-rk1
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="custom bug" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" width="100" height="114" />Do most students know how to play tag? How about animals? This Readers Theater poem is based on a true story from when I was growing up–with a donkey! "<strong>Tag–You're It!" tells the story of a game of animal tag with a surprise ending.</strong> Perfect for primary students and English Language Learners this poem is fun for all ages. Of course, it comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: less than a minute CAST: 2 or 2 choral groups TONE: light, fun READABILITY: grades K-1 (Flesch-Kincaid scored this script at Grade 0.4; however, some of the vocabulary includes two-syllable words.)</span></p>2023-03-03T18:10:00-00:00Move Over, Cow (R=grade 1)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/move-over-cow
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="custom Bug" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" caption="false" width="100" height="114" />Do your students enjoy silly poems?</strong> If you're willing to risk some giggles your primary level students will enjoy "Move Over Cow." What would THEY do if they found a cow under their pillows? The child in this two-part Readers Theater tells the story. And, the cow gives all the right (or wrong) answers. Perfect for Choral Readers Theater or a partner play, "Move Over Cow" may be best for young readers or listeners. <strong>Have you ever thought of performing scripts for a younger group?</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: about 40 seconds. CAST:2-3 or 2-3 choral groups. TONE: light, silly. READABILITY: grade 1 (The Flesch-Kincaid readability calculators have difficulty with Readers Theater poems.)</span></p>2023-02-24T21:30:00-00:00Picnic Visitors (R= grade 1)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/picnic-visitors-r-grade-1
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="bug" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" caption="false" width="100" height="114" />Have you ever tried to have a picnic with surprise visitors? What do you do if they fly in or crawl in? "Picnic Visitors" Readers Theater poem describes that dilemma.<strong> Part of our "Animal Poems" collection,</strong> "Picnic Visitors" will entertain students in the primary grades, plus English Language Learners. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "Picnic Visitors" could inspire some memorable tales.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: about 30 seconds. CAST: 3+ (or 3 choral groups). TONE: light, fun READABILITY: grade 1 (The Flesch-Kincaid readability websites have difficulty with Readers Theater poems.)</span></p>2023-02-24T11:42:00-00:00Firefly Fun (R=K-1)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/firefly-fun-rk1
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="bug" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" caption="false" width="100" height="114" />"Firefly Fun" shows primary readers nature's fun in a one-page Readers Theater poem. With only 2 speaking parts you may enjoy this poem as Choral Readers Theater (with 2 choral groups) or as a partner play with 2 readers. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans "Firefly Fun" is perfect for primary level English readers of all ages.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: less than 1 minute CAST: 2+ (or 2 choral groups) TONE: light, fun READABILITY: grades K-1 (The Flesch-Kincaid readability websites have a difficult time with poems!)</span></p>2023-02-17T20:38:00-00:00Snappity, Crackity, My Friend Chip (R=2.9)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/snappity-crackity-my-friend-chip-r29
<p><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="ReadersTheaterAllYearBug" style="float: left; margin: 4px;" width="100" height="114" />"<span style="font-size: 13px;">Snappity, crackity, my friend Chip, Furry friend who learned to flip" is the first section of this fun poem for primary level readers. This one page poem is part of a growing collection of original animal poems adapted to Readers Theater. The poem shines as a partner play or Choral Readers Theater and comes with curriculum links for easy lesson plans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: about 1 minute CAST: 2+ (or 2 choral groups) TONE: light, fun READABILITY: grade 2.9 because of "snappity, crackity" each being 3-syllable words. (The rest of the words are MUCH EASIER.)</span></p>2023-02-10T18:56:00-00:00On Top of Spaghetti
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/top-spaghettiagain-r44
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="Bug Thumb" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" width="90" height="103" />Do you remember the old song "On Top of Spaghetti," based on the tune to the folk song "On Top of Old Smokey"? Children and adults have enjoyed it for many years. The lyrics begin: "<strong>On top of spaghetti all covered with cheese, I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed..."</strong> Yes, it's a silly story, but so fun. "On Top of Spaghetti –Again" adapts the lyrics to a <strong>2-part Choral Readers Theater script or a partner play</strong>. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "On Top of Spaghetti–Again" Readers Theater provides fun fluency practice for groups of all ages, English Language Learners, and homeschoolers. This is the longer elementary version for grades 3-5. (The shorter version has a readability of grade 2.1.)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: about 2 min. spoken (4 m. sung) CAST: 2 or 2 choral groups TONE: light, fun READABILITY: grade 4.4<br /></span></p>2023-01-26T16:30:00-00:00On Top of Spaghetti
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/top-spaghettiagain-r21
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="Bug Thumb" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" width="90" height="103" />Do you remember the old song "On Top of Spaghetti," based on the tune to the folk song "On Top of Old Smokey"? Children and adults have enjoyed it for many years. The lyrics begin: "<strong>On top of spaghetti all covered with cheese, I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed..."</strong> Yes, it's a silly story, but so fun. "On Top of Spaghetti –Again" adapts the lyrics to a <strong>2-part Choral Readers Theater script or a partner play</strong>. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "On Top of Spaghetti–Again" Readers Theater provides fun fluency practice for groups of all ages, English Language Learners, and homeschoolers. This is the <strong>shortened primary version</strong> with two font options. (The longer version has a readability of grade 4.4.)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: about 50 seconds CAST: 2 or 2 choral groups TONE: light, fun READABILITY: grade 2.1 (grade 1.1 replacing the reader names "Pasta" and "Sauce" with "A" & "B")</span></p>2023-01-21T16:07:00-00:00Honoring Tracy Hanson
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/honoring-tracy-hansonhelping-english-language-learners
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="Bug Thumb" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" caption="false" width="90" height="103" />Tracy Hanson was a gifted educator with a master's degree in Curriculum Development and Reading, plus another master's degree in Educational Administration. But, what defined her was her heart to help people. "Her visionary contribution to education is the <em>Matrix of a Learner</em>, a creative learning philosophy designed to promote a more responsible and collaborative society opening the doors for a more peaceful world." She promoted her teaching philosophy in many nations personally and online. <strong>During the pandemic Tracy discovered that Readers Theater provided the "perfect" tool for reaching communities around the world and building a global community of confident, English-speaking citizens.</strong></span></p>2022-11-04T19:03:00-00:00Skateboarding Pioneer: Patti McGee (R=4.0)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/skateboarding-pioneer-patti-mcgee
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="Bug Thumb" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" width="90" height="103" />Do you have students who LOVE skateboarding? Our <strong>non-fiction Readers Theater script</strong> "Skateboarding Pioneer: Patti McGee" may be appropriate for those students. A member of our Script Buffet Club who tutored two Syrian refugee sisters <strong>learning English</strong> asked me to write a custom Readers Theater script for the girls. Wow! When I asked what the girls were interested in the tutor told me that they both LOVED to skateboard. So, with some serious research I created "Skateboarding Pioneer: Patti McGee." (Patti became famous as a woman skateboarder and brand ambassador who helped pioneer this popular sport in the 1960s.) This original Readers Theater script for <strong>elementary and middle school grades 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7</strong> focuses on Patti's story, but includes <strong>helpful annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. </strong>Enjoy it with your <strong>English Language Learners or anyone!</strong> (Yes, adults would appreciate this story, too.)<strong><br /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: 4 1/2 min. CAST: 2-5+ (optional chorus) TONE: upbeat, positive READABILITY: grade 4.0</span></p>2022-09-19T15:02:00-00:005 Simple Steps on How to Adapt Beverly Cleary Books to Readers Theater Scripts
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/5-simple-steps-how-adapt-beverly-cleary-books-readers
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="Bug thumbnail" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" width="90" border="0" />Beverly Cleary, beloved children's book author, just passed away March 25, 2021, at the age of 104. I recently reread several books by her. She wrote about real life including many stories from her own childhood. <strong>I remember her sharing in one book that a little boy basically asked her, "Why aren't there any books about boys like me?" </strong> She decided to help because she understood the need for more children's books. This article, "5 Simple Steps on How to Adapt Beverly Cleary Books to Readers Theater Scripts–for Book Reports or Book Sharing" will help you understand the easy process of creating a Readers Theater script from a book. Even students can create their own scripts from the books that they read! <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu"><img alt="</span></span></p>2021-03-27T14:26:00-00:00My Panda (R=2.0)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/my-panda-r20
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="Bug thumbnail" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" caption="false" width="70" border="0" />Here's a fun panda poem <strong>for your primary students</strong> or English Language Learners. "My Panda"–a Choral Readers Theater–contains 3 parts. Switch parts for more fun. Complete with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans, "My Panda" links feature the Giant Panda Live Cam" (with the baby panda born Aug. 21, 2020), articles with cute pandas, panda crafts, videos, and more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: about 30 seconds CAST: 2-3+ (choral) TONE: light, fun. READABILITY: grade 2.0</span></p>2021-02-05T17:31:00-00:00Three Cheers for Teachers! (Distance Learning Version) (R=3.9)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/three-cheers-teachers-distance-learning-version-r39
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="bug thumb" style="float: left; margin-right: 4px; margin-left: 4px;" width="90" border="0" />Thank you for caring enough to teach! </b> Here's a <b>gift Choral Readers Theater script I sent the teachers who shared their email addresses with me, "Three Cheers for Teachers!"</b> Unlike all our other scripts this one has NO curriculum links, but it does have words to honor teachers who make a difference--like you.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: less than 2 minutes CAST: 2- 4+ (Choral Groups?) TONE: grateful READABILITY: grade 3.9</span></p>2021-02-03T18:26:00-00:00WARNING for Videotaping Readers Theater
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/warning-videotaping-readers-theaterand-7-ways-improve
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" alt="bug thumb" style="float: left; margin-right: 4px; margin-left: 4px;" width="90" border="0" />WARNING:</strong> A teacher just wrote me. They had videotaped one of our scripts with the children wearing masks. The students did great. Unfortunately, the masks muffled their voices so the audio wasn't clear on the video. (I don't know if these were character masks or health masks, but let's assume they were character masks.) This short article shares "7 Ideas to Improve Your Readers Theater Video Performance" to ensure YOUR success.</span></p>2021-01-26T16:22:00-00:008 Key Questions and Answers About Homeschooling with Readers Theater
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/8-key-questions-and-answers-about-homeschooling-readers
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" border="0" alt="bug thumb" width="90" style="float: left; margin-right: 4px; margin-left: 4px;" />A homeschooling mom contacted me by email and asked HOW to implement Readers Theater in a family. The following article is my basic email answer to her questions: 1. What is Readers Theater? 2. How does it work? 3. Is it a booklet? 4. Is it a daily lesson? 5. Do they read it aloud? 6. Do they do it in a group? 7. What does it "LOOK" like? 8. How do I implement it in MY family? (I've added a few comments for clarity.)</span></p>2020-04-08T05:17:00-00:00Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Original) (R = 2.8)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/silver-and-gold-lame-man-healed-simplified-r-28
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" border="0" alt="Bug thumbnail" width="90" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" />Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature. "Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Original)" comes from the <strong>Book of Acts.</strong> Is healing still valid today? You decide. Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. <strong>But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs. Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed;</strong> however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe. The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos. Perfect for <strong>elementary students in grades 2, 3, and 4,</strong> this original script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: 4 min. CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus) TONE: upbeat READABILITY: grade 2.8</span></p>2020-04-07T16:22:00-00:00Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Advanced) (R = 3.5)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/silver-and-gold-lame-man-healed-advanced-r-35
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" border="0" alt="Bug thumbnail" width="90" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" />Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature. "Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed!" comes from the <strong>Book of Acts.</strong> Is healing still valid today? You decide. Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. <strong>But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs. Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed;</strong> however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe. The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos. Perfect for <strong>elementary students in grades 3, 4 and 5,</strong> this script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: 4 min. CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus) TONE: upbeat READABILITY: grade 3.5</span></p>2020-04-07T06:24:00-00:00Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed! (Simplified) (R = 1.7)
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/silver-and-gold-lame-man-healed-simplified-r-17
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Some of our Script Buffet Club members have requested Readers Theater scripts based on Biblical literature. "Silver and Gold? Lame Man Healed!" comes from the <strong>Book of Acts.</strong> Is healing still valid today? You decide. Like our other scripts this one includes annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans. <strong>But, one section of the curriculum links focuses on Nick<img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" border="0" alt="Bug thumbnail" width="90" style="float: left; margin-right: 1px; margin-left: 1px;" />Vujicic, a motivational speaker born without arms or legs. Nick was bullied, lonely, and depressed;</strong> however, as an overcomer he now encourages students around the globe. The links on Nick include part of his story in words and in videos. Perfect for <strong>primary students in grades 2 and 3,</strong> this simplified script and the annotated curriculum links will inspire you and your students. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">TIME: 4 min. CAST: 5-6+ (optional chorus) TONE: upbeat READABILITY: grade 1.7</span></p>2020-04-07T06:00:00-00:0015 eLearning Ideas for Readers Theater at Home and Online
http://www.readerstheaterallyear.com/articles/15-elearning-ideas-readers-theater-home-and-online
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img src="/custom/rtbug.jpg" border="0" alt="Bug thumbnail" width="90" style="float: left; margin-right: 4px; margin-left: 4px;" />Were you asked to convert your classroom to an eLearning digital environment for students to learn at home and online? Do you teach students via distance learning? Are you new to homeschooling and looking for some creative online ideas to build character and skills in your students? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">If you answered, "Yes!" to any of those questions then this article should help you. Readers Theater adapts to a multitude of situations, students, and subjects. Teachers love the fact that Readers Theater motivates rereading in their students. And studies have shown that rereading builds fluency, comprehension, confidence, and a boatload of lifelong skills. Why not simplify your eLearning lesson planning for your online students and enjoy Readers Theater? WARNING: Students often ask for MORE Readers Theater! </span></p>2020-03-27T05:34:00-00:00