All readers must make the connection between the oral and written language in order to be successful. This is nothing new—we all know this. Yet this obvious connection is not as simple or as easy as one might expect, especially for those who struggle with any aspect of reading.
Then why is this connection so challenging? There is not a simple answer. (The lack of simplicity is actually written about quite extensively in academic papers.) It’s worth thinking about the connections and disconnects between them.
One of my favorite things to do with my students who struggle is Readers Theatre, which allows children of all skill levels to read aloud. This is a wonderful way to get students involved and engaged in their reading, and help them connect to their lives. And, especially now when parents have become teachers at home, this is the perfect way to have fun with your children. Here’s what to do:
♥ TIP ONE: Adapt short stories, books, and poems to perform.
I often write the first script as choosing a text that is appropriate, one that calls to be read and re-read is one of the most challenging tasks. I read many scripts before I find one that suits the needs of my students and me. My scripts must engage students, are funny, and have fantastic language or storyline.
Adaptations are essential and often exciting to write, as they meet the student’s needs. Don’t be afraid to change most of the script. Give credit to the author with adaptations by the students’ names. Actively engaging students in both writing and reading are part of their success.
Fun Fact: Both decoding and comprehension are enhanced through these actions.
♥ ♥ TIP TWO: Create, find, invent, and adapt backdrops and props.
Allow the students to do some of the thinking. As the parent/teacher, you can suggest ideas, but make sure your students contribute. The props connect the oral and written language, which leaves space for further adaptations if a particular item cannot be found.
♥ ♥ ♥ TIP THREE: Read the script to the student multiple times for multiple purposes.
The goal is to have accurate reading. If a student is not reading the words on paper, question why? Ask yourself, “what is stopping them from reading accurately?” It will be more than an inability to decode. Check if the words on paper are recognized in a student’s oral language. Can you change these words to a word a child knows and uses every day?
For my vulnerable students, I use scripts to find words with short or long vowels. Reading the script to the students aids all components to fluent reading and comprehension.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ TIP FOUR: Perform the play!
For many years, Australian children’s author Mem Fox has spoken and written about the “power of providing a real purpose for both reading and writing.” Performance provides opportunities for repetition and practice (children don’t want to appear underprepared.)
Students get nervous about performances. It’s a good thing; that nervous excitement is invaluable.
In today’s world, recording either (or both) audio and visual is easy to do on your phone. This is another world to build expertise and experience.
Extra Fun: Send recordings to teachers and family members for congratulations and comments.
♥ LASTLY: Enjoy the process and all the learning.
Send any recordings to me! I would love to post them on my site. And, grab a copy of Reversed: A Memoir and see how I used Readers Theatre with all my students. It’s in Part 5.
Need additional resources? You can check out my list here.
