- Choose a Scene.Choose a favorite part of the book to develop into a readers’ theater performance. Breaking classes into smaller groups allows each student more time as a star!
- Create a script.Let kids work together to identify speaking parts and use the existing dialogue or make the scene their own. This could develop into interesting discussions about what did the character mean and why, OR what would I have said/done differently and why.
- Choose parts.Students will probably gravitate toward certain characters, so they can choose roles themselves or teacher/parent can assign. If time allows, trade off and allow different children to play different parts. Building empathy is a significant function of delving into fiction.
- Create a Script.Students highlight their own dialogue, either working to memorize it or practice reading fluency, depending on the assignment.
- Practice. Have the kids practice their lines in groups during school and send home assignments for them to practice at home with family or friends.
- Perform and have fun.The students can perform the play, either memorized or reading aloud for an audience of peers, parents, or younger students, enjoying the experience and having fun with the roles and concepts they’re performing.
- Discuss.What did they like best about their role? What did they learn about their character? What do they think the author was trying to teach in these character moments? This could take place in small group discussions, a large group discussion, or as a writing assignment to assess what they learned from the experience.
DEL TORO MOON 