- I can use criteria to practice a Readers Theater play with my group. (SL.2.1, SL.2.1a, SL.2.1b, SL.2.1c)
- I can read a Readers Theater script with fluency and expression. (RF.2.4)
These are the CCS Standards addressed in this lesson:
- RF.2.4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
- SL.2.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
- SL.2.1a: Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
- SL.2.1b: Build on others' talk in conversations by linking their comments to the remarks of others.
- SL.2.1c: Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts under discussion.
Daily Learning Targets
Ongoing Assessment
- During Work Time C, circulate to observe students' use of the performance criteria. (RF.2.4)
Agenda
Agenda | Teaching Notes |
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1. Opening A. Analyzing a Model: Readers Theater Video (10 minutes) 2. Work Time A. Engaging the Actor: Generating Criteria for Readers Theater (10 minutes) B. Shared Reading: Readers Theater Scripts (15 minutes) C. Readers Theater: Rehearsing in Groups (15 minutes) 3. Closing and Assessment A. Reflecting on Learning (10 minutes) |
Purpose of lesson and alignment to standards:
How this lesson builds on previous work:
Areas in which students may need additional support:
Down the road:
This is the first of two lessons that reinforce students' understanding of the schools they have read about in Off to Class. Students will revisit these schools in Unit 3 to study the similarities and differences between the schools and their own school. |
In Advance
- Predetermine Readers Theater groups of about eight students with an assigned script based on classroom dynamics, student personalities, and reading abilities. Groups will remain the same across Lessons 8-9. Consider assigning parts for each student within their groups based on reading ability.
- Preview the Readers Theater script with students who may need more support working with classmates.
- Prepare:
- Technology necessary to play your chosen Readers Theater video in the Opening.
- Working to Become Effective Learners anchor chart (see supporting materials).
- Review the Think-Pair-Share anchor chart. (Refer to the Classroom Protocols document for the full version of the protocol.)
- Post: Learning targets, Readers Theater: Brainstorm Criteria anchor chart, and Performance Criteria for Small Groups anchor chart.
Tech and Multimedia
Consider using an interactive whiteboard or document camera to display lesson materials.
- Consider that YouTube, social media video sites, and other website links may incorporate inappropriate content via comment banks and ads. Although some lessons include these links as the most efficient means to view content in preparation for the lesson, be sure to preview links and/or use a filter service, such as SafeShare.tv, for actually viewing these links in the classroom.
- Work Time C: Video record students rehearsing to review with students in later lessons as a reminder of what happened. Most devices (cell phones, tablets, laptop computers) come equipped with free video recording apps or software.
Supporting English Language Learners
Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 2.I.A.1, 2.I.A.3, and 2.I.B.5
Important points in the lesson itself
- The basic design of this lesson supports ELLs with opportunities to practice reading and speaking fluently. Acting out chapters from Off to Class will provide students with concrete avenues for comprehending academic content while strengthening English language development through peer interaction.
- ELLs may find it challenging to master speaking with fluency and expression, as some may still struggle with reading and speaking in the language itself. Support students by empowering them to ask their peers for help when they do not understand or have trouble reading. Offer opportunities for them to listen to models of delivering lines of dialogue with expression and prompt them to notice and mimic the tone of voice.
Levels of support
For lighter support:
- During the Mini Language Dive, challenge students to generate questions about the sentence before asking the prepared questions. Example: "What questions can we ask about this sentence? Let's see if we can answer them together."
For heavier support:
- On a tablet computer or recording device, work with students to record themselves delivering their lines with a teacher or peer's support. Empower students to play back and listen to their recordings as they follow along with their scripts and practice their performances. If helpful, work with a group to perform and record an entire performance of the play so they can play it back and follow along as they practice.
Universal Design for Learning
- Multiple Means of Representation (MMR): During the Closing, students discuss ways they can persevere and collaborate during Readers Theater in the next lesson. As students share their ideas verbally, it may be helpful to provide a visual reference point as well. Provide alternatives to auditory information by visually displaying their ideas. You can do this by writing their ideas on a whiteboard or chart paper.
- Multiple Means of Action and Expression (MMAE): During the Opening, students are introduced to the idea of using expression. Students may benefit from isolated practice using expression before they incorporate it while reading from a passage. As you discuss showing feelings with your voice, provide options for expression by inviting students to say the words "Readers Theater" with a variety of different feelings.
- Multiple Means of Engagement (MME): During Work Time A, students review performance criteria for Readers Theater. Readers Theater involves reading, speaking, and acting in front of others. Second-graders will have a range of abilities and comfort levels with this task. Create an accepting and supportive classroom climate by acknowledging that performing a Readers Theater play may feel risky and brainstorming ideas to help classmates feel comfortable.
Vocabulary
Key: Lesson-Specific Vocabulary (L); Text-Specific Vocabulary (T); Vocabulary Used in Writing (W)
New:
- Readers Theater, criteria, script, fluency, expression, rehearse (L)
Review:
- perseverance, collaboration
Materials
- "Readers Theater: Building Fluency and Expression" (see Teaching Notes)
- Readers Theater: Brainstorm Criteria anchor chart (new; co-created with students during Work Time A; see supporting materials)
- Readers Theater: Brainstorm Criteria anchor chart (example, for teacher reference)
- Performance Criteria anchor chart (new; co-created with students during Work Time A; see supporting materials)
- Performance Criteria anchor chart (example, for teacher reference)
- Readers Theater Script: Boat School (one per student in this group and one to display)
- Readers Theater Script: Rainforest School (one per student in this group and one to display)
- Readers Theater Script: Tent School (one per student in this group and one to display)
- Performance Criteria for Small Groups (one per student and one to display)
- Working to Become Effective Learners anchor chart (new; teacher-created; see supporting materials)
Assessment
Each unit in the K-2 Language Arts Curriculum has one standards-based assessment built in. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize their understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.
Opening
Opening | Meeting Students' Needs |
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A. Analyzing a Model: Readers Theater Video (10 minutes)
"What does it mean to use expression in your voice?" (show feelings)
"What is something they are doing that we should remember to do in our Readers Theater?" "As you speak with your partner, try using expression in your voice."
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Work Time
Work Time | Meeting Students' Needs |
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A. Engaging the Actor: Generating Criteria for Readers Theater (10 minutes)
"Did you notice anything special about their voices?" "How were they reading the script?" "How did the actors show you how they were feeling?"
"I can use criteria to practice a Readers Theater play with my group."
"Which criteria are you going to work really hard to accomplish today?" (Responses will vary.) |
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B. Shared Reading: Readers Theater Scripts (15 minutes)
"I can read a Readers Theater script with fluency and expression."
"What do you think a script is?" (text actors read in a play or movie)
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"What does this sentence mean?" (The children can get home when it rains because they will be in a boat.) "Why will they be able to get home when it rains?" (They are in a boat school.) "Why did the person speaking use the phrase 'even if'?" (to say a problem that could stop them from getting home, but will not) "How does this sentence show perseverance?" (It shows how they have a problem, but they will still succeed because they solved the problem with the boat school.) "What are some problems that could stop you when you read your script, but won't? (Answers will vary, e.g., trouble reading, trouble speaking fluently.) "Can you use the structure of this sentence to talk about how you might persevere? 'Even if _____, I will still be able to _____.'?" (Even if I forget how to read a word, I will still be able to persevere and read fluently.) |
C. Readers Theater: Rehearsing in Groups (15 minutes)
"What should you do if two group members want the same part?" (rock, paper, scissor; make a deal; choose another part)
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Closing & Assessments
Closing | Meeting Students' Needs |
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A. Reflecting on Learning (10 minutes)
"What do you remember about the words perseverance and collaboration?"
"When can we work to show perseverance during our Readers Theater practice in the next lesson?" (I can show perseverance when I am stuck on a word.) "When can we work to show collaboration during our Readers Theater practice in the next lesson?" (I can show collaboration to help a group member with a tricky word.)
"Can you give an example?" (Responses will vary.)
"What is one thing you are excited about doing in the next lesson with Readers Theater?" (Responses will vary.) |
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