Reader’s Theater Play Preparation

1. Understanding the play

-Discuss the scene with the students that they will act out. Then, ask the students to think of their own way to begin
and end the scene.

2. Select roles
-Select which students should play each role based on their personalities. Make role cards for the students with
information about the characters.

3. Read and memorize the script.

-Have the students listen to the CD and memorize their lines.

4. Practice actions and gestures

-After memorizing their lines, ask the students to practice using actions and gestures while speaking.

5. Prepare the stage

-Create a performance area for the students to present their plays. Use props to make the plays feel more realistic.

6. Have a rehearsal
-Give the students a few minutes to rehearse their actions and gestures on the stage.

7. Perform
- Have the students take turns presenting their plays to their classmates.

1 Reading Sketch 1-Unit 20

Characters Plot
Emma and Ben’s dad is reading the newspaper in the living room.
Emma and Ben run into the living room and sit on the sofa. They
Dad (D)
are very excited. School has just finished and now they are on
He is Emma and Ben’s father. He is very kind
summer vacation. Everyone talks about all the fun things they want
and likes to do fun things with his children.
to do during summer vacation.
He also enjoys fishing.

Emma (E)
She is 6 years old. She likes to play outside.
She is very active and enjoys swimming.

Ben (B)
He is 8 years old. He likes to play outside.
He likes to do exciting things like swinging in
trees.

2 Reading Sketch 1-Unit 20

Preparing the Stage

Stage and props

The setting is the family’s living room. On the left of the stage, there is a sofa. In the middle, there is a chair. On the ride side, there is
a door. At the back of the stage is a window. You can put a picture of a sunny sky to show that it is summer. You can use things such
as a newspaper, a fishing rod, sunglasses, swimsuits, and beach towels as props.

On the stage
The scene opens with Emma and Ben’s dad sitting on a chair reading the newspaper. Ben and Emma run into the living room and sit
on the sofa.

window

chair door
sofa
E
D
B

Audience

3 Reading Sketch 1-Unit 20

Reader’s Theater Play
Unit 20 Summer Is Coming!
Track 60 (p.84)

Dad: Summer is coming!

What shall we do this summer?
Emma: (Pretending to be swimming) Let’s swim in the pool!
Dad: (Pretending to be fishing) Let‘s fish in the lake!
Ben: (Pretending to swing) Let’s swing in a tree up high!
Dad: Wow! Sounds fun!
What should we do first?
Emma: (Loudly) Swimming!
Ben: (More Loudly) Swinging!
Dad: (Laughing) Oh, it’s going to be a busy summer!

4 Reading Sketch 1-Unit 20