Effective Teaching Strategies

Readers’ TheaterGuided Reading

Caroline Martin

Readers’ TheaterTwo or more people read a piece of writing

aloud, no memorizing is neededThe story is conveyed through words, not

“acting out”Focus on voice emphasis, tone and fluency

(loud, soft, fast, slow, just boys, just girls, scary, sad, happy etc.)

Strategy can be implemented in a number of ways:With a narrator to read neutral partsAssign individual rolesRead in unison as a group

Use in a ClassroomDivide students into two groups and assign a student director for each

groupThe director quickly assigns script parts (This is a great way to give

the students responsibility and independence.) Students need to understand that they may get multiple roles and

must “play” any character (This makes it easy and fair, especially if you are planning to use this strategy frequently)

Once parts are assigned, have the students read off the list of cast members to make sure everyone knows which part(s) they have and then… begin

Teacher can and should move between “performances” to check vocabulary comprehension or to reinforce information and skills.

Use to study a specific topic like the Salem Witch Trials or to promote and practice reading fluency.

Incorporates linguistic, kinesthetic, interpersonal and verbal learning styles

Guided ReadingSmall group instruction for students who

read at the same instructional text levelGroups are fluid and range in size from 3 to 8

studentsStudents are grouped by similar reading

levels, reading behaviors and instructional needs

Teacher introduces text and teaches specific strategies for reading and comprehending text

Students read independently and discuss reading with group

A Typical Guided Reading LessonLength of lesson: usually 20-25 minutesBegin by introducing the text and new vocabularyRead the text-students read independentlyDiscuss and revisit text read. For example, students can look for

evidence that a character is brave or determined.During reading, observe how students use good reading

strategies: picturing, wondering, guessing, noticing, figuring out and connecting

Extend understanding: introduce students to story elements and literary devices such as plot, character, setting, author’s craft

Teacher can assess understanding with oral or written responses, graphic organizers and extension activities after reading. For example, a group of third graders wrote newspaper articles about the important events in Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl