1. Intention: The intention of this lesson is for students exercise language arts and theater in the format of reader’s theater (RT).

2. Rationale: This series of lessons will integrate language arts standards with theater arts standards. In the unit, students will use written and oral language, use text for the basis of reader’s theater plays, compare literature critically, practice listening and speaking effectively, and virtually every standard of this type.

3. Social-cultural context: In this classroom, a major consideration is the broad span of learning levels (First through third grades). I plan to have students work cooperatively so that each child can learn optimally, as well as purposefully creating groups that include every learning level.

4. Process: 
A. Day One: Begin by reading a familiar story in the form of a play in junction with reading the original book. I found “Moira’s Birthday” (Munsch) adapted for RT. Have students discuss the differences and similarities between the two. Make copies of this and other plays available during reading time.
B. Day Two: Read another RT play, such as “The Calabash Kids”. Discuss the format of the play. Discuss layout and format of RT plays. How are they different from “regular” stories?
C. Day Three: Divide students into groups. Each group will choose one story or book to adapt for a RT play. The story will be adapted, practiced, and performed.
D. Mini-lessons: based on “Tips on Reading” from Aaron Shepard.

5. Assessment: Assessment will be shown formally through the group performance of a prepared piece. Informal assessment will occur throughout the process of creating the plays.

6. Extension: Students will be encouraged to try this out in the future for other projects.