publication date: Feb 19, 2025
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author/source: Carol Montgomery
*** This Spring 2025 small group option is a one-time opportunity for teachers to get help and encouragement with Weekly Readers Theater. This article link will be shared in our newsletter and does not contain suggestions for HOW to do Weekly Readers Theater. That information will be found elsewhere.
My Story...
I was listening to a webinar in 2010 when an idea ”popped” into my head: Readers Theater membership site. But, HOW could I do that? I didn’t know, so I prayed.
I chewed on the idea for awhile and then told God, “I’m not good at technology.”
Immediately, these words “popped” into my head. “Get over it.”
So, I’m still learning!
For several years the phrase “Weekly Readers Theater” has danced in my mind. What does that look like?
Although I’ve shared some tips from other teachers who have successfully enjoyed Weekly Readers Theater with their students, I never officially supported a small group of teachers willing to explore Weekly Readers Theater intentionally.
Our 2024 survey revealed that some teachers are willing to explore Weekly Readers Theater in a small group. If you may be interested read on….
What I Hope to Do for You...
• Create a few easy PDF forms for planning your Weekly Readers Theater scripts–to simplify your life and save you time.
• Make a few Readers Theater rubrics for easy evaluations and grading.
• Set up a private Facebook group for committed teachers exploring Weekly Readers Theater. It will be a place for you to share feedback, stories, victories, suggestions, and encouragement with other teachers. And, it will be a safe place to ask questions with answers within the hive. Yes, I’ll be buzzing in and out of the group, too. First, I have to learn how to MAKE a private Facebook group online. Lifelong learners, right?
Are you willing to work together as we create a repeatable plan of Weekly Readers Theater?
Questions and Answers About This Weekly Readers Theater Small Group...
Q: What’s the cost?
A: Time and participation (e.g., feedback, suggestions, stories, needs, successes…) No money (unless you miss the deadline or are not one of the first 12 volunteers***). Since I’m out of the classroom I need your input, please.
Q: What scripts do I use?
A: You choose! I’ll provide some potential sources of scripts, but I won’t review the scripts listed. Some may need to be retyped or be inappropriate in some way if they're not from our Script Buffet.
*** But, up to 12 of you who volunteer before Feb. 28, 2025, will receive a promo code for a short GIFT subscription to our growing Script Buffet of trustworthy Readers Theater scripts through June 2025. I WILL need your periodic feedback, please. That’s how we’ll work together to shape and simplify the process of enjoying Weekly Readers Theater in your classroom. [NOTE: If you volunteer AFTER Feb. 28th you may still be allowed in the Weekly Readers Theater group, but you won’t have access to the growing Script Buffet unless you pay for a membership.]
Q: What if I have questions or a problem?
A: You may share in the private Facebook group for me or other teachers to respond. Or, you may send me an email at RTAllYear@gmail.com.
Q: Do I need to do Readers Theater every school day?
A: No, this is Weekly Readers Theater. You may choose to enjoy Readers Theater every day or several times a week. I’ll share potential schedules, but you can be flexible. Doing Readers Theater once a week could work, but you won’t get the same positive benefits without some repeated practices. I WOULD like to know what schedules you’re trying in general, though (e.g., M-F, M-Th, Tu-Th…).
Q: Do I have to do Weekly Readers Theater only during a Reading block of time?
A: No, Readers Theater integrates subjects and allows for individualized differences. You may help build lifelong skills in your students by choosing character building scripts in social studies, history, science, nature study, health, literature, and more. It’s ALL reading!
Q: How long does this small group last?
A: That’s up to the small group. I’m committed March–June (about a quarter of the school year). And, at the end of school we’ll reevaluate. You should commit to one or two months at a minimum in order to see more positive results. Remember, I’m looking for YOUR feedback, so I can help simplify your life and help your students succeed.
Q: Will you offer this opportunity again?
A: I do not expect to be handing out gift promo codes for the Script Buffet in the future since it’s the paying Script Buffet Club members who help keep Readers Theater All Year online for teachers around the globe. (I don’t take a salary yet.)
But, if there is enough interest, we could offer a Weekly Readers small group opportunity again sometime–with the private Facebook group. (That group can continue to grow.)
Q: Is there a limit to the small group size?
A: Ideally, I was thinking about 12 or less, so I can give more personal attention. Are you one of the 12?
Volunteering for the Small Group Weekly Readers Theater Spring 2025?
Ready to jump in? Great! When I recently mentioned the idea of Weekly Readers Theater in an email to a new teacher recently she replied:
“I am very interested in Weekly Readers Theater!
…If you start a group or resources I would love to participate in some way!”
She recently got her promo code and her students are LOVING Readers Theater!
To Volunteer Do the Following:
1. Make sure you’re on our email list because that’s the way you’ll receive periodic helpful information for Readers Theater in general. (Look for the colorful balloon box on our home page: www.ReadersTheaterAllYear.com.)
2. Send a quick email with your name and the grades you teach to me at RTAllYear@gmail.com. Feel free to tell me anything about your experience with Readers Theater, teaching, or why you’re interested in Weekly Readers Theater. I just want to get to know our caring teachers a little more. (According to the 2024 survey, we serve teachers K-12 and even some college students!)
I will send out a private email to those who volunteer to explore Weekly Readers Theater. But, I must receive your name, email, and grades that you teach by midnight Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
Why wait? Let’s build confidence and lifelong skills in your students while simplifying your life and having FUN! Is Weekly Readers Theater in YOUR future?
This Spring 2025 small group option is a one-time opportunity for teachers to get help and encouragement with Weekly Readers Theater. This article link will be shared in our newsletter and does not contain suggestions for HOW to do Weekly Readers Theater. That information will be found elsewhere.