Using Readers Theater to Differentiate Instruction

Authors

  • Jamey Burson LAMP Student - University of Toledo

Keywords:

Readers Theater, Differentiation, Reading, Comprehension, Fluency, Engagement

Abstract

Regardless of grade level, English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are faced with the challenge of providing effective reading instruction to students that represent a variety of skill and interest levels. While no “one-size-fits-all” approach exists, research shows that using drama-based literacies such as Readers Theater help differentiate instruction and contribute to increased levels of fluency, engagement, and comprehension for pre-K-12 learners. This article will provide the reader with an understanding of Readers Theater, explore the current research regarding its impact, and provide suggestions for implementation in an ELA classroom. 

References

Allington, R. L. (2011). What at-risk readers need.?Educational Leadership,?68(6), 40-45.

Garrett, T. D., & O'Connor, D. (2010). Readers' theater: “Hold on, let's read it again.”.?Teaching Exceptional Children,?43(1), 6-13.

Hautala, J., Ronimus, M., & Junttila, E. (2022). Readers’ theater projects for special education: A randomized controlledsStudy.?Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 1-16.

Moats, L. C. (1994). The missing foundation in teacher education: Knowledge of the structure of spoken and written language.?Annals of Dyslexia,?44(1), 81-102.

Moran, K., & Jo, K. (2006). Nurturing emergent readers through readers theater.?Early Childhood Education Journal,?33(5), 317-323.

Mraz, M., Nichols, W., Caldwell, S., Beisley, R., Sargent, S., & Rupley, W. (2013). Improving oral reading fluency through readers theatre.?Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts,?52(2), 5.

NCTE: National Council of Teachers of English. (2020, August 5). Drama-Based Literacies.

Retrieved March 7, 2022, from https://ncte.org/statement/drama-based-literacies/

Samuels, S. J. (1979). The method of repeated readings.?The Reading Teacher,?32(4), 403-408.

Young, C., Durham, P., Miller, M., Rasinksi, T. V., & Lane, F. (2019). Improving reading comprehension with reader's theater. The Journal of Educational Research, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2019.1649240

Young, C., & Ortlieb, E. (2018). Implementing readers theater in secondary classrooms.?Reading Psychology,?39(8), 879-897.

Published

2022-09-08

How to Cite

Jamey Burson. (2022). Using Readers Theater to Differentiate Instruction. Learning to Teach Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Through Research and Practice, 11(1). Retrieved from https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/learningtoteach/article/view/563