Calling all rising second and third graders!

Over the course of four days, children will work together to adapt scripts from age-appropriate texts (books, poems, graphic novels) to perform a short play. Children are encouraged to bring a favorite book or two, but I will have some books to share also. Each day of the workshop children will collaborate to create scripts from the favorite parts of their books. In addition to reading and writing scripts, children will craft their own props to use for their characters. The best part of reader's theater is that it requires no memorization - children will be reading from their scripts. The goal is to make the books come alive!

What is reading fluency?

Fluency - the ability to read accurately, smoothly, and with expression - is an important skill to learn for early readers. Thirty-seven percent of fourth graders in the United States are below grade level in reading. Reading fluently makes reading less like a chore and allows children to understand what they are reading. This opens a whole new world for them making it more likely they would read for pleasure, something that's been on the decline in recent years. In addition to fostering teamwork and communication skills, reader’s theater has been shown to improve reading fluency amongst elementary-aged children. I created these workshops to be held at The Marblehead Little Theater for children to practice reading fluently while having fun!

Preliminary Schedule - the final schedule will be emailed to you.

Day 1

9:00 - 9:30: Introductions; warm up fluency exercises.

9:30-10:00: Share books with the group. Begin to narrow down a couple of favorites.

10:00-10:10: Quick snack if needed.

10:15 - 10:55: Begin script brainstorms on white board. Show examples of short reader's theater's scripts and practice.

10:55- 11:00: Pack up.

Day 2

9:00 - 9:15: Warm up fluency exercises.

9:15 - 9:30: Choose our books to adapt scripts.

9:30-10:30: Begin writing our scripts with help from me. Children are welcome to snack during our writing time if needed.

10:30 -10:55: Break out the art supplies! Begin working on props.

10:55- 11:00: Pack up.

Day 3

9:00 - 9:30: Warm up fluency exercises.

9:30-10:55: Work on scripts, snacks, make props.

10:55- 11:00: Pack up.

Day 4

9:00 - 9:15: Warm up fluency exercises.

9:30-10:30: Practice with scripts and props.

10:30 - 11:00: Friends and family welcome to see children perform the short play they created!

What to bring:

water

small snack

1-2 favorite books (summer reading welcome!)

Notes:

This workshop is best suited for rising second and third graders (approx. ages 6-8 years old)

These are separate sessions that follow the same schedule. Both are Monday - Thursday from 9-11 a.m.

Email me with questions! denamc@gmail.com

This workshop aligns with Massachusetts Reading Standards for Foundational Skills [RF] for grades 2 + 3

RF. 4 Fluency
4. Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
a. Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.
b. Read grade-level text orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive
readings.
c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as
necessary.