Readers Theater All Year

Building Leaders and Creators

Discover
Readers Theater Made Easy

  • Motivate Students
  • Enjoy Community
  • Transform Lives

FREE SCRIPTS

over 50 scripts
"limited lunchbox" 

SCRIPT BUFFET

319 scripts
"all-you-can-eat"

CLICK HERE

xHELPFUL INFO

answers, ideas, techniques, tips, & tools for success

CLICK HERE

trustworthy scripts

Search
Pin It

13 Ways to Save Paper and Ink with Scripts from Readers Theater All Year

publication date: Aug 3, 2011
 | 
author/source: Carol Montgomery
13 Ways to Save Paper and Ink with Scripts
from Readers Theater All Year

By Carol Montgomery ©2011

Woo-hoo!  You're collecting Readers Theater scripts to use with your students to build leaders and creators.  You're committed to giving your students opportunities to speak in front of a group to build their confidence.  You know fear of speaking in front of a group is one of the top three fears in surveys--often first or second.  You recognize the value of Readers Theater, but how can you reduce the amount of paper and ink it takes?  Whether you have environmental concerns or are just trying to save a little money, here are "13+ Ways to Save Paper and Ink with Scripts from Readers Theater All Year":


1.  DO NOT PRINT the cover page and the curriculum links.  That will save at least two pieces of paper per script--more on the scripts with extensive curriculum links.

2.  Recycle.  Use the blank side of pre-used paper  (e.g., tests... business papers...).  Have lots of people save one-sided paper for you (e.g., office, neighbors...).

3.  Use an overhead projector & print on transparencies or project on a wall from your computer.

4.  Print double-sided.  (This may be a bit tricky, but not impossible!)

5.  Fast print on a draft setting--saves ink

6.  Share scripts between two readers.

7.  Use your "printer dialogue" for the layout and print:
        2 pages up in landscape mode or
        4 pages up in portrait mode

(Print will be smaller, but you could make "mini-script books"--especially for older students.)

8.  Watch the sales and coupons.  I bought two packages of computer paper at Staples a few months ago (2011) at 50 cents each with a coupon. (Limit of 2.)

9.  Create an informal "drama club" and have a script library that moms/teachers can borrow scripts--enough for every character in the play. I used to put the scripts in cheap black folders with paper fasteners.  Then I kept them from year to year.  Once they're printed they're like a book--reusable.  I used the same scripts for practice fun with many different groups for years.

10.  Start a script-trading co-op with local teachers (or parents).

11.  Retype the scripts single-spaced throughout.  I can't do that because we have such a wide range of  abilities and ages.  IF enough members want it, I might hire someone to provide a choice of scripts--some created to save paper.  I may be able to do that with smaller font, too. But, when you're standing and reading a script you don't want the type too small...

12.  Read from the computer IF you're just using it for your nuclear family without an audience.  This works for Dad participating, too.  (I learned this from another  homeschool mom.)  IF you want Grandma to read with the kids, just send her the PDF & they can all read together from the computer using the phone.

13.  Consider the cost an investment in your student's futures.  I see this as an affordable "curriculum service", not just useless activities.  That's why I provide several curriculum links at the end of the scripts.

BONUS:  Consider buying a Kodak printer because they supposedly save a lot of ink.  Do the research first.  We've been happy so far.

Finally, be creative.  You may have other ideas.  Remember, we're building leaders and creators.  Isn't it worth it all?  Let's change the world together!



Readers Theater All Year™ LLC builds leaders and creators for positive influence through an inexpensive, easy, flexible system.  Readers Theater All Year™ LLC curriculum services provides a caring community for using and creating Readers Theater scripts for families, classrooms, homeschools, camps, and drama clubs.

Praise from Teachers

...Keep doing what you are doing.  There are not enough quality scripts available for children and teens.  So many are inappropriate from a parent's perspective.  As a teacher I want to also build character and integrity while I teach a subject.  Why can't drama build up, inspire and be thought provoking?...Anyway, keep doing what you're doing...we need all the help we can get!
Jen H., Drama teacher

> ...I have been teaching for 35 years. RT has been part of my education journey for the majority of that time. Initially my experience with it was as a performance genre in the Drama Curriculum. Now I use it across the curriculum - a wonderful high motivation strategy in the language program - particularly reading - and so much more as you would know. I was drawn to your 'community' by the idea of leadership... I think what you're doing is wonderful..."
Graham B. Former primary teacher (now a Visual Art and Drama specialist)

Readers Theater All Year is the most comprehensive collection of Readers Theater scripts and resources I have found on the internet!...Thank you Carol for your leadership and vision and for making Readers Theater so accessible for teachers and parents.
Daniel Fiore, Elementary teacher/author What They Have Taught Me

I found the free readers theater online scripts, teaching tips, and curriculum teleseminars at Readers Theater All Year very inspirational to me. I used the Twelve Days of Christmas...Vacation script in my ESOL classes before Christmas break and my students all enjoyed it..
Lily T. Teacher (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

"> ..We did Squanto's Squash for the family on Thanksgiving and [my sons] participated and loved it. I am so excited about making this a major part of homeschooling. What a great way to learn!
Bethany P. Homeschooling Mom

> ...re: our script "The Earth Day Hen and Friends" I've used this! The kids love it. Thank you for sharing...It's just right for all levels in the class...Your free scripts are wonderful!...They learn so much from drama and reader's theatre...I see the shy ones gain confidence as they read. Fluency and prosody increases with reader's theatre...
Angela D., 3rd grade teacher

Let's Celebrate YOU!

 


Featured TpT Product (K-2)

***  Create fluent readers!

33 Fun Animal Riddle Partner Plays

* Over 300 annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans  

33 Animal Riddles

 

Featured TpT Product (3-5)

***  Encourage wise choices!

9 Aesop's Fables with Flexi-Curric™* for easy lesson plans

Aesop's small thumbnail

Featured TpT Product (3-8)

***  Sprinkle giggles into your day!

Make lesson plans easy with annotated curriculum links and a graphic organizer on character qualities.

image

 

Featured TPT Product (3-6)

*** Build positive character qualities! (3–6)

See how easy it can be to teach respect!  Enjoy this character-building Readers Theater script with lively discussions. American and Australian versions.

Square Save the Zoo