Benefits of Readers Theater in L2 Reading
Traditional reading classes often fall short - students trudge through assignments alone at home, then discuss the text at school. As researchers Burns & Kern (2012) lament,
"The problem with this configuration is that students get little direct help with what they often say is the most difficult part of language study - reading and writing" (p. 191).
Clearly, a new approach is needed.
Burns & Kern (2012) suggests that collaborative reading activities can solve this problem.
Enter Readers Theater. Within this approach, a teacher can provide direct assistance and facilitate comprehension in real-time, as students are reading.
But the benefits of Readers Theater go far beyond students receiving real-time support. It reinforces a comprehensive set of reading abilities and processes that renowned expert William Grabe (2014) identifies as crucial for fluent comprehension, such as:
Automatically decode graphic forms into words
How RT builds this skill: Repeatedly reading the script develops automatic word recognition skills - with the added bonus of having an authentic purpose to do it
Rapidly identify sentence structure and phrases
Quickly recognize and understand the meanings of many words
How RT builds this skill: Students can instantly clarify unfamiliar vocabulary with the teacher and also cement these new words through repeated encounters in their rehearsals. Many studies on vocabulary acquisition have found that, depending on the level of the learner and quality of attention, it takes roughly 8-10 encounters for a word to stick (as cited in Pellicer-Sánchez, 2019, p. 165).
How RT builds this skill: Reading aloud with proper phrasing and expression reinforces understanding of syntax, particularly through repeated readings
Combine clauses for overall meaning
How RT builds this skill: Group discussions about the narrative and characters deepen comprehension of the text
Use strategies to grasp challenging texts
How RT builds this skill: Students can't employ reading strategies until they understand the mental processes fluent readers use.
The initial read-aloud of a Readers Theater script is the perfect place to give students a window into the mind of an effective reader.
As Pani (2004) explains, mental modeling allows teachers to demonstrate the thought processes of effective readers. We can do this by:
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Thinking aloud while reading, voicing thoughts, questions, and strategies
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Modeling techniques like making inferences, analyzing tone, monitoring comprehension
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Highlighting metacognitive skills like setting goals, evaluating understanding, adjusting approaches
Make inferences and monitoring goals
Set and adjust reading goals
How RT builds this skill: Goals naturally evolve during Readers Theater rehearsals, from understanding the main idea to character motivations and expression
Sustain reading skills / processes over an extended period of time
How RT builds this skill: Multiple and collaborative rehearsals provide ample time for students to maintain and refine their reading and to use skills and processes continually
Sustain motivation to persist and accomplish reading goals
How RT builds this skill: Readers Theater provides an authentic performance task for students which may sustain their motivation and carry them through setbacks or moments of discouragement
How RT builds this skill: Group discussions before practice sessions allow for inferring meanings and monitoring comprehension aligned with performance goals