My students recently completed a unit on folktales, fairy tales, fables and Native American legends. The performance assessment for this unit involves students participating in a reader's theater. The Common Core Standards expect students to recount stories using not only reading and writing skills but oral presentation skills. I think this is a great opportunity to reach all learners and give students an opportunity to practice speaking in front of an audience. NCTE Framework for 21st Century Curriculum and Assessment
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| Students practice a play. |
Readers theatre "is a style of theatre in which the actors do not have to memorize their lines. In Readers Theatre, actors use vocal expression to help the audience understand the story." It is different from a play because a play has more visual features, such as sets and costumes. Readers Theatre became popular during and following the second World War when resources to produce plays were scarce. A common Readers Theatre uses only the scripts and stools or chairs. Wikipedia
Having my students perform their reader's theater of "The Ugly Duckling" would fit with my digital story telling project.
What is your opinion of this project? How do you think it will impact my students? Is it a worthwhile venture? Why or why not?
