Objective: To practice expressive reading of a Readers Theater play in preparation for its performance. To use one's voice and movement to entertain.
Materials:
Copies of the Sundiata play (see Appendix B) for each student.
Procedure:
1) The teacher reads the play aloud providing a fluent and expressive model while the students following along silently.
2) In the play's second reading, students read it aloud in a effort to gain familiarity with the play in its entirety.
3) The teacher then designates which student will read which part. Each student's play has his/her parts highlighted for easy recognition. The third reading takes place with each student reading his/her own part.
4) The teacher then directs students to go off to practice their parts by themselves. Meanwhile, she circulates to listen in and advise. The following aspects should be considered and discussed with the student:
Where will you pause for the purpose of dramatic effort?
What kind of tone will you use?
What are the punctuation marks telling you?
What facial expressions or gestures will help you to express the ideas?
5) As students grow more proficient in reading their lines with expression, the teacher intercedes less.
6) The group then comes back together and the whole play is read in sequence. The teacher encourages the cast of the play to provide feedback and suggestions to each other.
It is important to emphasize that these parts are not to be memorized, that the students hold the scripts in their hands while performing and that no costumes or props are required.
