Readers Theater Script Performance

Printed script copies (one per performer)

Highlighters in different colors for each role

Simple props or costumes (optional)

Find a readers theater script online or adapt a favorite story.

Print copies. Highlight each person's lines in a unique color.

Assign parts: 1-2 characters plus narrator lines each.

First read-through: just get familiar.

Second read-through: add expression, voices, emotions.

Third pass: perform for real. Face the audience.

Add simple props if desired.

Bow! Record to watch back.

Readers theater is a proven reading fluency strategy used in classrooms because it gives children a REASON to reread text multiple times. Each pass improves fluency, but it doesn't feel repetitive because you're rehearsing for a performance.

No memorization is needed — the script is in hand the whole time. This removes the anxiety barrier that stops many kids from participating in drama.

Expressive reading (prosody) is a key fluency component. When a child reads their line with anger, excitement, or sadness, they're demonstrating comprehension through voice.

Adapt your child's favorite book into a script together. Identifying which parts become dialogue and which become narration teaches deep text analysis.

Record performances and watch them. Kids naturally want to improve after seeing themselves — that's self-motivated practice.