Discover Reader's Theater for Grades 6-12
A Fresh Approach to Reader's Theater for Middle School and High School Students
Script-Stories are a simple approach to Reader’s Theater designed specifically for students in grades 6–12. Students read adapted stories, myths, legends, and works of literature aloud from their seats—giving every student an opportunity to participate without the performance demands of traditional Reader’s Theater.
TRY A FREE SCRIPT-STORY IN YOUR CLASSROOM
What is a Script-Story?
A Script-Story combines the engagement of storytelling with the benefits of reading aloud. Students take on different parts and read the story together, but there are no costumes, no rehearsals, and no physical acting required. The goal isn't to put on a show. The goal is to get students reading—and learning—together.
Why use Reader’s Theater in grades 6–12?
Script-Stories give secondary students a reason to read aloud that feels purposeful rather than routine. This approach increases participation, builds reading fluency, reinforces vocabulary and comprehension, and creates a more collaborative classroom experience. Because students read from their seats, Script-Stories can be used with an entire class without turning reading aloud into a high-pressure performance.
Make challenging texts more approachable
A Script-Story can stand on its own as an engaging adaptation of a challenging work, or it can serve as a bridge to the original text. Introduce students to Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, the Odyssey, Dracula, or another difficult work through a Script-Story before asking them to tackle the original. Students encounter the characters, plot, vocabulary, and major ideas first—giving them a foundation for deeper reading.
The research behind the approach
Script-Stories aren't simply a fun classroom activity. Research with secondary students has found significant gains in oral reading fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension following the use of scripted stories. Learn more about the research behind Script-Stories and why reading aloud can remain a powerful tool well beyond elementary school.
See Script-Stories in action
Wondering what this actually looks like in a middle or high school classroom? Watch this short video to see Script-Stories in action.
Ready to try a Script-Story yourself?
You don't have to take our word for it. Try a Script-Story in your own classroom with one of our free scripts. Choose a story, print out the copies, and give your students a chance to experience a script-story for themselves.