Being effective at using theater games or drama to build comprehension requires educators to consider how much time these type of activities will take away from the real work of literacy development. It depends on several factors such as the subject, the activity and the learning outcomes, but the time involved is probably less than you think. For example, Adele Toney, a third-grade teacher at Roberts Elementary School in Syracuse, used drama in a game during a lesson focused on Frederick Douglass' biography, which lasted just five minutes.
Prior to the simulated drama that unfolded in Toney's third-grade classroom, students were stumped when she asked: "Why do you think slaves weren't allowed to read and write?" Toney then begins the game, without announcing it, by passing a note to a student in the front row. The note makes it's way through a row of students as the rest of the class watches pensively. A beat later the children that read the note follow Toney out of the classroom. Less than a minute later, the group returns and one of the students reveals the note contents: "Let's escape tonight." When Toney repeats her original question, the third graders are full of answers. Suddenly, these learners have an atomic, yet crucial understanding of Douglass' biographical text. This is just one example how a simple drama game can bolster your reading comprehension outcomes while fitting neatly into the subject matter and the teaching and learning process.
No student becomes a proficient reader and writer in one sitting. Literacy and reading comprehension skills develop over time. According to the National Reading Panel, students build these skills "through an active thinking process that is influenced by the readers prior learning experiences." Theater games are ideal to achieve this goal because the drama is able to meet a reader at his level at every stage of learning. When students are high-energy and silly, so is the drama -- such as kindergartners acting out the silly parts during story time. As students mature, the dramatic content in games does as well. In addition, theater games make her a part of the learning experience rather than a learner trying to access the information.
Playing with drama in the classroom is highly configurable, allowing educators to achieve reading comprehension outcomes in every manner necessary. In addition, drama games underscore the need for understanding effective communication through meaningful experiences. For example, improv theater games sharpen students' ability to listen, think critically and gain confidence with reading and writing based on successful experiences. Students that are successful in basic improv games like "Yes, And" and "Ping Pong" feel more capable putting their words on paper.