Using Reader's Theater to Enhance Gospel Stories

Reader's Theater has been shown to help with reading and comprehension skills in numerous ways in a normal classroom. Today we're talking about how we can use it to not only improve reading but engage student interest in the gospel stories.

But first, let's explain what it is first. Reader's theater is a way to very easily, in play form, read and learn a story. There's no need to have a stage or lots of costumes or even learn lines by memory. Characters are chosen to stand basically in a line in front of the class and read the parts of the story. For a bit more enjoyment it does help to let the characters read through their lines once or twice first. A few props, like hats or capes, and name tags around hung their necks helps with understanding by the audience. (Everyone reading along from their own copies is helpful also).

One of the biggest academic values of RT is that each reader adds their own voice and expression to the character they're portraying. It makes reading the story aloud in class more engaging. Sometimes students are willing to hear the whole story repeated using different people reading. Usually, the second time through has more animation from the characters and is now better understood by the audience. It also gets more students involved. It's a win-win.

So how do we merge this method with the gospel stories? This is done so easily. Many of the stories are full of dialogue and can be developed into reader's theater plays with little work involved.

To see examples of this, visit my store on Teacher Pay Teacher where you'll find:

The Calling of the First Disciples, The Calling of the First Disciples - Readers' Theater by Go Forth and Lead,

The Prodigal Son, The Parable of the Prodigal Son - Readers' Theater by Go Forth and Lead Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand, Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand - Readers' Theater by Go Forth and Lead and

The Easter Story, The Easter Story - Readers' Theater by Go Forth and Lead | TPT