Plays

Struggling readers can often benefit from a variety of interventions, and one that can be very engaging, is getting children to read or enact a short play. This can help readers in a number of ways, for example:

• They can help students improve their fluency. When students read aloud, they have to practice reading the words multiple times. This can help them become more fluent readers.
• They can help students learn to read with expression. Learning to think about and express the emotions of the characters can help pupils become more expressive readers.
• They can help students build reading confidence. Working with a small group of similar ability students to perform a play will often build a supportive community of readers. This can help them build confidence in their reading abilities.
• They can help students enjoy reading. When students are involved in a play it is an interactive, real-life experience among peers. This level of engagement is different and exciting, which can help students become more motivated to read.
  

Plays can also be a lot of fun! Children may be more likely to engage with a text if it is presented in a dramatic format by themselves and their classmates. If you are looking for a fun and effective way to help reluctant readers, consider using plays in your classroom. You may be surprised at how well they work!