Nonfiction Readers Theatre for Beginning Readers

• Publisher:   Libraries Unlimited
• Number Of Pages:   220
• Publication Date:   2007-04-30
• ISBN-10 / ASIN:   159158499X
• ISBN-13 / EAN:   9781591584995

Teachers and librarians are continually looking for an interesting, fun way to input content knowledge to build that background information which will help push up student expository reading scores. Nonfiction readers theatre is one way to accomplish this. Professor Fredericks offers 30 short nonfiction readers theatre plays for the young reader (grades 1-3) on topics ranging from earth and natural science to community helpers, holidays, and government.

Test scores across the country show American students are far more able to read narrative than nonfiction text. Some research speculates this is due to a great lack in the background knowledge of many children. Librarians are beginning to realize that a unique fit for the school librarian is as a provider of background knowledge materials for teachers to use.

Fredericks, Anthony D. Fredericks. 2007. NONFICTION READERS THEATRE FOR BEGINNING READERS. Westport, Connecticut: Teacher Ideas Press. ISBN # 9781591584995 Nonfiction Readers Theatre for Beginning Readers is a great resource for classroom teachers and librarians who want their students involved in and excited about learning. In this book reader's theatre is defined as "an oral interpretation of a piece of literature red in a dramatic style". This is a process which actively involves students in their learning. Reading and language arts skills are integrated into the science and social studies curriculum. There are many values of reader's theatre which are pointed out in this resource. Reader's theatre gives children the opportunity to become storytellers. Reader's theatre can also greatly improve children's ability to read fluently. When children participate in reader's theatre they are actively involved in their learning. The learning is supportive and non-threatening. Children are able to utilize their personal style and personality. Through out the process children are learning about science and social studies concepts while improving reading and language arts skills. Reader's theatre is informal and relaxed. Props, scenery, and costumes are optional and do not need to be elaborate. These activities stimulate imaginations and creativity. Cooperative learning strategies are utilized. Communication skills and creative and critical thinking skills are enhanced. Positive self-concept is fostered. Finally, learning through the implementation of reader's theatre is fun! The book continues with suggestions for presentations. These tips include preparing scripts, starting out, staging, props, delivery, special help for English language learners, and post presentation activities. There is also a section on the bonus features and activities which are included. These include descriptions of the assessment of the readability of the scripts and the inclusion of content standards. With the importance of accountability in today's schools the addition of content standards is an important feature. This source also includes Spanish versions of many of the scripts. Specific activities which address the needs of the English language learner are suggested. Another great feature is the discussion of how to use the inclusion of related experiments and other related activities for the scripts. Finally the use of additional related nonfiction literature to extend learning is discussed. The scripts included in this resource are divided into three sections, scripts specially designed for first graders, second graders, and finally third graders. Each script includes the discipline covered, the science or social studies content standards which are addressed, a brief summary, prop and presentation suggestions, a related experiment or activity and additional suggested related literature for further learning. This information is followed by the various scripts. The scripts include more specific staging advice as well as a visual map of where the participants should be situated. The scripts are well organized and easy to follow. By organizing the scripts by grade level it is easy to choose scripts which are the appropriate reading level for students. The topics cover many science and social studies curriculum areas such as plants, insects, matter, weather, dinosaurs, heat and light, families, health, holidays, rules and laws, and communities. With the abundance of choices it is easy to connect to topics which are regularly covered in any classroom. At the end of this book a section on additional resources is included. This section includes information on many books which focus on reader's theatre and storytelling, including more books by this author. In addition to the many books on these topics, helpful websites are listed. Finally the address and website is listed for the professional organization of The Institute for Readers Theater. This is a resource which will benefit classroom teachers and librarians alike. The use of these scripts will promote fluency, integrate language arts with science and social studies curriculum, support English language learners, and give students ownership for their learning. Most of all the use of reader's theatre will make learning fun and memorable for the students while building their self-esteem. This is a great choice to add to any elementary classroom or library! Deborah Coppenbarger
Professional Book Review
LS 5613

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