This activity is suitable for primary grades. Each student receives a picture that depicts a character doing activities in a story. Students will need markers or pencils. As students hear the story, they must color in the picture according to the descriptions they hear. If children are sitting at individual desks, as opposed to clustered desks, it is easier to identify those children who are not listening to the details because they are less likely to copy.
Reader's theater is appropriate for ages nine and older, depending on the script you use. Children can be divided into groups and assigned roles. They will need to be attentive to other performers in the group so they know when to speak and what is happening in the play. Additionally, if the script is to be performed, they will need to act out motions that complement the words. Reader's theater promotes self-confidence, active listening, active speaking and a love of literature.
This activity is excellent for second through fifth graders but can be modified for older students. Assign children discussion partners and review proper etiquette for having literature discussions. Listeners should be attentive, let the speaker make his point without interrupting and be open to opinions. Speakers should ask for clarification and support their points with specific examples from the text. Discussions should stay on topic. Teachers should read literature and stop periodically to allow students to discuss the text with their partners. After a few minutes of partner discussions, ideas can be shared with the class. Older children can read more sophisticated text to each other and then discuss what they have read.