Reader’s Theatre and Its Effect on Students

Reader’s Theater is a reading instructional method that calls for reading scripts aloud. This research synthesis focuses on the effects Reader’s Theater can have on students in the classroom. Many studies have been conducted in classrooms where the educator uses Reader’s Theater as a tool to improve reading fluency. In order for a someone to have fluency when reading, they must be able to read at an appropriate rate, with accuracy, phrasing, and expression (Lekwilai, 2014). Reader’s Theatre causes repetitive reading which facilitates rapid word recognition. This leads to enhancing other factors in reading fluency as well. When searching Reader’s Theatre and teaching methods, this technique of reading scripts out loud was also found as a tool used to teach other subjects such as science and mathematics. Since it improves understanding and expression when reading, it also influences the students’ ability to retain that information. This literature review examines the many studies and articles that prove Reader’s Theatre is a positive tool that helps improve reading fluency, as well as assists teaching other subjects. Also, due to the nature of Reader’s Theatre, it facilitates positive social interactions and confidence in the students.