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When kids say “we’re bored” ... try Reader’s Theater!
Dr. Joanne Meier
Sound It Out
Joanne Meier

When kids say “we’re bored” … try Reader’s Theater!

What’s a Mom/reading specialist to do? We’re 8 days into summer vacation, and we’ve already run out of things to do. If you’re at my house, the answer is…. Reader’s Theater!

My girls have always loved to put on a show. They love dress up, props, and performing for an audience. Molly and Anna had a friend over, so they recruited her to join in too.

A Google search turned up hundreds of Reader’s Theater scripts. I wanted one that would work across reading levels, and had multiple parts (it’s more fun if each person has a few parts). Voilà! We chose a script and the girls disappeared for hour to practice their parts. Tips on choosing scripts › (opens in a new window)

And here they are with our cure for a hot, boring day, performing part of The Wizard, The Fairy, and The Magic Chicken. (p.s., sound effects optional!)

Reader’s theater lesson plans (with scripts):

More reader’s theater scripts:

To read more about Reader’s Theater, a rereading strategy that can encourage fluency development:

About the Author

Along with her background as a professor, researcher, writer, and teacher, Joanne Meier is a mom. Join Joanne as she shares her experiences raising her own young readers, and guides parents and teachers on the best practices in reading.

Publication Date
June 16, 2009

Related Topics

Fluency, Summer Reading
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