Recent Articles

July and August Shortcuts: 5 July/August Readers Theater Ideas for Enjoying Readers Theater All Year (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
Jul 7, 2017

Students and teachers love Readers Theater!  But, how can teachers integrate Readers Theater into a busy curriculum?  Many teachers enjoy successful Readers Theater lessons throughout the week (e.g., history, health, social studies, literature, writing...).  You can motivate students by incorporating Readers Theater into a unit study or holiday celebration.  

Some teachers use Readers Theater for character building lessons in school clubs or as optional homework.  

Since Readers Theater builds so many life-long skills in one fun activity, no matter when you do Readers Theater you and your students will win.  Check out this "Shortcut" article:  5 July/August Readers Theater Ideas for Enjoying Readers Theater All Year.  You'll discover plenty of links to simplify your life and lesson planning.

Luke's Mule (long "u" as "u__e") R = 0.0 (K-1) (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
Jul 4, 2017

Are you looking for silly fun in an easy partner play or choral Readers Theater script?  Students will enjoy reading "Luke's Mule" with an emphasis on practicing long vowel "u" sounds.  WARNING:  the surprise twist at the end of the script may inspire giggles and talking.

Perfect for beginning readers of every age, "Luke's Mule" comes in two font options with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.

 TIME:  less than 1 minute   CAST:  2 or 2 choral groups    TONE:  light    READABILITY:  grade 0.0 (think K-1)

5 Reasons Why Readers Theater Helps Homeschoolers Succeed (in: Homeschool with Readers Theater)
Jun 4, 2017

Should YOU enjoy Readers Theater in your homeschool?  Is it really worth the time?  What if you're not experienced in drama?  Can you still do it?  More importantly, will it help YOUR students?  

Many years ago while we were still homeschooling our children The Teaching Home Magazine published an article I wrote on Readers Theater.  Why?  Because Readers Theater helps homeschool students the same way that it helps public or private school students.  

The Home School Legal Defense Foundation read the article and interviewed me for their radio program "Homeschool Heartbeat"  because they recognized the value of Readers Theater in building leaders and creators.  

You don't have to be an expert at anything to experience success with Readers Theater.   Enjoy "5 Reasons Why Readers Theater Helps Homeschoolers Succeed" and then help yourself to a samples of our popular Readers Theater scripts to taste and see how Readers Theater simplifies your life as a homeschool teacher.  

June Shortcuts: 5 June Readers Theater Ideas for Enjoying Readers Theater All Year (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
May 27, 2017

Students and teachers love Readers Theater!  But, how can teachers integrate Readers Theater into the busy curriculum?  Many teachers enjoy successful Readers Theater lessons throughout the week (e.g., history, health, social studies, literature, writing...).  You can motivate students by incorporating Readers Theater into a unit study or holiday celebration.  Some teachers use Readers Theater for character building lessons in school clubs or as optional homework.  Since Readers Theater builds so many life-long skills in one fun activity, no matter when you do Readers Theater you and your students will win.  Check out this "Shortcut" article:  5 June Readers Theater Ideas for Enjoying Readers Theater All Year.  You'll discover plenty of links to simplify your life and lesson planning.

7 Facts Every Homeschool Teacher Should Know About Readers Theater (in: Homeschool with Readers Theater)
May 26, 2017

Should YOU enjoy Readers Theater in your homeschool?  Is it really worth the time?  What if you're not experienced in drama?  Can you still do it?  More importantly, will it help YOUR students?  

Many years ago while we were still homeschooling our children The Teaching Home Magazine published an article I wrote on Readers Theater.  Why?  Because Readers Theater helps homeschool students the same way that it helps public or private school students.  

The Home School Legal Defense Foundation read the article and interviewed me for their radio program "Homeschool Heartbeat"  because they recognized the value of Readers Theater in building leaders and creators.  

You don't have to be an expert at anything to experience success with Readers Theater.   Enjoy "7 Facts Every Homeschool Teacher Should Know About Readers Theater" and then help yourself to a samples of our popular Readers Theater scripts to taste and see how Readers Theater simplifies your life as a homeschool teacher.  

The Dog and the Wolf (R=2.7) (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
May 4, 2017

Another script in our series on Aesop's Fables, "The Dog and the Wolf" creates a conflict with no real resolution.  Who is right?  Let your students decide.  This flexible script could be used with any age level.  Younger students will enjoy the story.  Older students will appreciate the thought-provoking discussions you may choose. This serious script with a few light-hearted lines explores deeper issues suitable for grades 3-5, 6-8, and up.  You could include it in a study on slavery and the Underground Railroad or just keep it as a fun story by Aesop.  "The Dog and the Wolf" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.) What moral do your students suggest for this Readers Theater script? 

TIME: 3 1/2 min.     CAST: 4      TONE: serious and light       READABILITY: grade 2.7

(Note:  This script is included in our coming Store product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1".)

The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey (R = 2.6) (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
May 4, 2017

Ask your students, "Can you ever please everybody?"  Then let them enjoy this humorous adaptation of another of Aesop's Fables, "The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey–Crazy?" This Readers Theater script has many parts, but we show you how to easily combine parts for fewer readers. It's perfect for primary students, struggling readers, or ESL (ESOL) classes.  Older students will also enjoy interpreting the characters. "The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey–Crazy?" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.)  Use it with some of our other Readers Theater fables for a program featuring Aesop's Fables.  (Note:  This script is part of our coming Flexi-Curric™ Store Product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1.") 

TIME:  about 3 minutes  CAST: 2-12  TONE: light   READABILITY: 2.6

The Beaver and the Lumberjack (R=3.3) (in: Free Scripts Catalog)
May 4, 2017

Short.  Spunky!  Character building. "The Beaver and the Lumberjack" Readers Theater is adapted from one of Aesop's Fables.  The original Aesop's Fable is known as "The Honest Woodcutter," "The Honest Woodman," "The Golden Axe," "Mercury and the Woodsmen," and more. Part of our character building category,"The Beaver and the Lumberjack" comes with vocabulary and annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2021.)  (Note:  This script is included in our Flexi-Curric™ TPT Store product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1".)

 If you like simple fun for a small groups it should be perfect!  Or, use the script chorally with two groups reading the character parts and the teacher reading the narrator parts.  Although the readability is grade 3, Aesop's Fables are classic, so this script motivates students in grades 2-8.  Use it as a springboard for discussion–even in middle school. 

TIME: 3 minutes    CAST: 2-4 (or 2 choral groups plus narrator)  TONE:  varies (sad and light)   READABILITY: grade 3.3

The Rooster and the Fox (R=4.2) (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
May 4, 2017

What's a wise rooster to do with a sly fox interested in rooster pancakes?  Find out in this entertaining Readers Theater script adapted from one of Aesop's fables.  Casting suggestions show you how to perform the script with 2, 3, or 4 readers or choral groups.  Perfect for grades 3-8, "The Rooster and the Fox" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.)  (Note:  This script is included in our coming Flexi-Curric™ STORE product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1".)

TIME:  about 2 minutes  CAST: 2–4  TONE:  light, with the fabled twist   READABILITY: Grade 4.2

The Frogs Who Wished for a King (R = 2.5) (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
May 4, 2017

Are you looking for a script for a variety of readers at different reading levels?  "The Frogs Who Wished for a King," has a few stimulating vocabulary words for three characters (e.g.,  Señor Sage Frog).  But, this Readers Theater adaptation of Aesop's Fable includes a frog chorus for challenged readers, too (e.g., "Ribbit.  Ribbit.  Ribbit.  Zing!").  Aesop does not mention an election in his story, but our Reader's Theater adaptation includes one where the frog chorus cheers, "Bubba!  Bubba!  Bubba!..." Keep the discussion light, or dig deeper because historically this Aesop's fable has had political undertones. Perfect for grades 2-8, "The Frogs Who Wished for a King" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.)  (Note:  This script is included in our coming Flexi-Curric™ Store product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol 1.")  

TIME:  9 1/2 min  CAST: 2-9+  TONE:  serious & light  READABILITY:  grade 2.5

The Council of Mice (R = 2.8) (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
May 4, 2017

Adapted from Aesop's Fables for Readers Theater, "The Council of Mice" provides an opportunity for a wide range of readers to participate in the fun.  The "Council" functions as a chorus in this creative twist on a sometimes familiar story.  Casting suggestions show you how to adapt the script so any number of readers.  Perfect for grades 2-8, "The Council of Mice" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Note:  This script is part of our coming Flexi-Curric™ STORE product , "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1".)   

TIME:  about 5 1/2 minutes  CAST:  2-9+  TONE: somewhat light  READABILITY:  grade 2.8

The Fox and the Crow (R = 3.3) (in: Script Buffet Club General Catalog)
May 4, 2017

So, you think you know Aesop's Fable "The Fox and the Crow"?  This script for puppets or Readers Theater continues the story and adds a humorous twist at the end to please any audience.  Perfect for 2, 3, or 4 readers or choral groups, "The Fox and the Crow" comes with annotated curriculum links for easy lesson plans.  (Updated 2017.)  (Note:  This script is part of our coming Flexi-Curric™ Store product, "Aesop's Fables Collection, Vol. 1.") 

TIME: 2 1/2 --3 minutes  CAST: 2-4+  TONE:  thought-provoking and fun  READABILITY:  grade 3.3