Reading Theatre demo
This is an Electric Saturday demonstration. Students read aloud parts of a book to the parents. They do this in small groups in front of all you parents as the audience. The reading material is given to them in school.
This is a showcase of the amazing reading proficiency that the students are developing. Simply come and enjoy their performance — you don't need to worry about preparing these students at home for this event!
Why are we having a Reading Theatre activity like this?
- A way to involve students even more in reading aloud and motivate them. All children have to participate actively. No one can be passive with a story in their hand and a turn to read aloud.
- Students "perform" by reading stories aloud. They do so without costumes or props. Their expression and delivery is the main thing. So they have to read well.
- Children are "tricked" into a lot of re-reading, which is a key factor in developing fluency. Increased fluency = increased comprehension and understanding of what is being read. This greatly helps as they grow older!
- Safe, known setting (classroom) and somewhat known audience (classmates and parents) — so few jitters only! No risk for the students to fail on stage as no memorisation is needed. A great way to start the public speaking journey!
- Creates confidence and improves the self-image of students at such an early age!
All this is to help them develop their reading skills in a better way.
Why is reading important?
- Expands vocabulary and improves fluency
- Improves comprehension and understanding
- Gives more information and builds confidence
- Helps with building a flow in thought process and remembering
- Helps with getting context quickly, making connections and predictions
- The stories and material help with later problem solving and decision making
- Helps to analyse, interpret and communicate better
- Helps to become an independent learner and supports future learning